Cerebral Palsy
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What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a group of disorders that affect balance, movement, and muscle tone. “Cerebral” means the disorder is related to the brain, and “palsy” refers to weakness or a muscle problem.
CP starts in the area of the brain that controls the ability to move muscles. Cerebral palsy can happen when that part of the brain doesn’t develop as it should, or when it is damaged right around the time of birth or very early in life.
Most people with cerebral palsy are born with it. That’s called “congenital” CP. But it can also start after birth, in which case it’s called “acquired” CP.
People with cerebral palsy can have mild issues with muscle control, or it could be so severe that they can’t walk. Some people with CP have difficulty speaking. Others have intellectual disabilities, while many have normal intelligence.
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What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Doctors can’t always figure out exactly what has happened to damage the brain or disrupt development, causing CP.
Some of the problems that can damage the brain or disrupt its growth include:
- Bleeding in the brain while the baby is in the womb, during birth or afterward
- A lack of blood flow to important organs
- Seizures at birth or in the first month of life
- Some genetic conditions
- Traumatic brain injuries
Physical Therapy For Cerebral Palsy
Your doctor may want to send you to physical therapy as early as possible so you can learn how to move with better balance, strengthen your muscles or maintain your current muscle tone. We’ll do exercise to help stretch your muscles, which may reduce spasms. You’ll get a special exercise program that’s tailored to your need.