Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurologic (brain) disorders that affects the way the brain communicates with muscles. This can lead to lifelong challenges with movement, strength, and balance. CP is typically characterized by muscle tightness, also known as spasticity. It is most often diagnosed at a very early age and occurs in about three out of every 1,000 babies born.
There are three different types of CP:
- Spastic cerebral palsy: This is the most common type of CP involving spasticity, or resistance, when trying to move an arm or leg.
- Dystonic (or athetoid) cerebral palsy: Dystonic movements are uncontrolled, purposeless, and often rigid in nature that can occur in the arms, legs, or back.
- Ataxic cerebral palsy: Ataxia is difficulty with coordination of movement and can affect any part of the body. It may appear as if the child is clumsy or always off balance.
Overview of Cerebral Palsy