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What is cerebral palsy (CP)?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect how a person moves and controls their muscles. CP affects a person for their entire life; however, the damage to the brain that causes CP occurs before birth or in the first few months after.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy (CP)?

The most common symptoms of cerebral palsy (CP) are movement problems caused by muscles that are either very tight or very loose. People with CP often have difficulty controlling their movements, or make unintended movements. They may have …

What causes cerebral palsy (CP)?

There can be many causes for the damage to the brain that occurs in early life and leads to cerebral palsy. For most people with cerebral palsy, doctors are not able to identify a specific cause.

Who gets cerebral palsy (CP)?

Around one in 500 babies are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It is slightly more common in males. Because of being born prematurely and with a low birth weight, babies from a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more) are at greater risk of developing …

How is cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosed?

The diagnosis of cerebral palsy can be complex and sometimes it can take many repeat visits with health specialists. A child's movement and development are assessed. Tests such as MRI, ultrasounds and CT scans may be done to assess brain and muscle …

How is cerebral palsy (CP) treated?

The damage to the brain that causes cerebral palsy (CP) cannot be reversed. Treatments can help to improve mobility and quality of life with CP. Medications, surgery, physiotherapy and other treatments can help to improve the health problems that people …

Can cerebral palsy (CP) be cured?

cerebral palsy (CP) cannot be cured and the damage to the brain that causes CP cannot be reversed. Treatments can help to improve mobility and quality of life with CP.

Are there different types of cerebral palsy (CP)?

There are four different types of cerebral palsy (CP), according to what part or parts of the brain were damaged. The types are: spastic CP, dyskinetic CP, ataxic CP, and combined CP, in which a person has two or more of the other types.

What is the outlook for cerebral palsy (CP)?

Although the damage to the brain that causes cerebral palsy (CP) does not get worse, symptoms can change as a person with CP grows and gets older. Treatments and therapies can improve quality of life for people with CP and help them to be more …

Can cerebral palsy (CP) be prevented?

Most cases of cerebral palsy cannot be prevented. In cases where there is a concern that a woman is at increased risk of delivering her baby very prematurely, a doctor may recommend magnesium sulfate, a compound which has been shown to reduce the risk …

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 07 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 1247 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Fetal alcohol syndrome

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