Cerebral Palsy
What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?1
- Cerebral = brain
- Palsy = weakness or difficulty using muscles
- CP is caused when abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain occurs affecting the individual's ability to control their muscles.
- Variable muscle tone. Either too stiff or too floppy.
- Delays in reaching motor milestones.
- Difficulty walking. Often walking on toes, with knees bent, and legs crossing in front of each other.
- Difficulty eating and swallowing
- Difficulty speaking and learning
- Difficulty with fine motor skill
- Seizures
Terms your Doctor may do use when describing your child's CP?2
- Spasticity = stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes
- Rigidity = stiff muscles and normal reflexes
- Ataxia = decreased balance and coordination
- Tremors = Involuntary movements
- Athetosis = slow, involuntary, writing movements
- Contractures = stiff joints that are difficult to move.
- Increased fall risk
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Walking
- Stretching and positioning
- Strength and balance Training
What resources are available for caregivers and children with CP?
| CP Information.pdf |
