Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development. The majority of children with Cerebral Palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later.
Cerebral Palsy primarily affects body movement, muscle tone, muscle coordination, reflex, posture and balance. Examples are stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a “scissored” gate; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy.
Other complications, such as intellectual impairment, seizures, and vision or hearing impairment, bladder and bowel control issues, and pain and abnormal sensations also commonly accompany Cerebral Palsy.