What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that directly affects the body’s movement and muscle coordination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. Additionally, data shows that cerebral palsy is most common in boys, with many children, both boys and girls, suffering from spastic cerebral palsy (stiff feeling and jerky movements).

The cause of cerebral palsy is due to damage to the areas(s) of the brain that controls motor related functions. If the condition is broken down into two words, cerebral deals with the cerebrum portion of the brain, (note the cerebellum can be affected with cerebral palsy too), and palsy refers to a paralysis or weakness. Children who have suffered from cerebral palsy tend to have difficulty with their movement and posture, along with depth perception. Swallowing and feeding are also areas of difficulty.