What is cerebral palsy (CP)?
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that can impair brain and nervous system functions. Movement, hearing, seeing, learning, and thinking are among functions that can be affected.
What causes cerebral palsy?
Low levels of oxygen in the brain can damage the brain and cause cerebral palsy. Other causes may include bleeding in the brain, a brain infection, and head injury.
Are there various degrees of cerebral palsy?
Yes. Some cases of cerebral palsy can severely impact their lives. Some cases may also mildly affect their cognitive functions.
What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?
Symptoms can vary in each case. The most common form of cerebral palsy, known as "spastic cerebral palsy," involves tight muscles that may not stretch, abnormal walking, joint contracture, and muscle weakness. Other varying symptoms of cerebral palsy include abnormal movements, decreased intelligence, impaired coordination, speech problems, tremors, and unsteady walking.
Is there a cure?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cerebral palsy. Treatment methods are available to assist those with cerebral palsy, however.