Learn about Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic movement or posture disorders. “Cerebral” refers to the brain, while “Palsy” refers to a physical disorder, such as a lack of muscle control. Cerebral Palsy is not caused by problems with the muscles or nerves, but rather with the brain’s ability to adequately control the body. Cerebral Palsy can be caused by injury during birth, although sometimes it is the result of later damage to the brain. Symptoms usually appear in the first few years of life and once they appear, they generally do not worsen over time. Disorders are classified into four categories:
- Spastic (difficult or stiff movement)
- Ataxic (loss of depth perception and balance)
- Athetoid/Dyskinetic (uncontrolled or involuntary movements)
- Mixed (a mix of two or more of the above)
Read more about types of Cerebral Palsy.
More than half a million Americans have Cerebral Palsy, and an additional 4,500 infants and children are diagnosed yearly. Some of these cases may be preventable. Contact us if you have questions about your child’s Cerebral Palsy, or if you would like to learn more about protecting your child’s right to a lifetime of benefits.
