Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that appear in childhood or infancy. It results from damage to or abnormalities in brain development. These abnormalities permanently affect movement and muscle control. The word cerebral refers to the brain. The term palsy means an impairment in motor function. Symptoms are not progressive and can change as a child grows older. There is no cure, but supportive treatments such as medication and surgery can help improve motor skills.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy are difficulties with precise movements, delays in reaching motor skill milestones, or irregular muscle tone. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders (2023) explains, “Children with cerebral palsy may also have unusual posture or favor one side of the body when they reach, crawl, or move.”

Damage can happen before, during, or after birth. The majority of individuals have congenital cerebral palsy, meaning they were born with effects. Genetic abnormalities, maternal infections, fevers, or fetal injury are risk factors of congenital cerebral palsy and can be managed or avoided. Cerebral palsy acquired from head injuries can be prevented with safety practices, for example, car seats for toddlers.

There are different types of cerebral palsy; spastic, athetoid, ataxic, dyskinetic, and mixed types. Spastic is categorized by stiff muscles and awkward movements. Athetoid cerebral palsy shows through writhing motions. Ataxic involves a lack of balance, depth perception, and coordination. Individuals with dyskinetic cerebral palsy will have slow and uncontrollable movements.

Often diagnosed by age two, a more reliable diagnosis can be given by age four or five. Doctors evaluate a child’s motor skills using a series of tests.  “Lab tests can identify other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to those assigned with Cerebral Palsy” (NIND). Cranial ultrasounds and MRIs detect development abnormalities – treatment will improve the individual’s capabilities.

Resources
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/cerebral-palsy