Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It may also affect vision, hearing, and sensation. The term "cerebral" relates to the brain, while "palsy" indicates muscle weakness or issues with body movement.

Common Symptoms of CP

• Delayed motor milestones (e.g., rolling, sitting, crawling)
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Abnormal muscle tone (too floppy or too stiff)
• Spasticity (stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes)
• Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination)
• Tremors or involuntary movements
• Speech delays or difficulty speaking
• Excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing
• Favoring one side of the body
• Seizures, intellectual disabilities, or blindness

Most children are born with CP, but signs may not be evident until months or years later.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

• Head injuries (car accident, fall, abuse)
• Brain infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis)
• Bleeding into the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
• Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, herpes)
• Lack of oxygen during labor (asphyxia neonatorum)
• Genetic mutations
• Severe jaundice in infancy

Risk Factors

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Low Apgar score
• Breech birth
• Rh incompatibility
• Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy
• Multiple births (twins, triplets)

Types of Cerebral Palsy

1. Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The most common type, causing stiff muscles and difficulty walking due to exaggerated reflexes.

2. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Caused by damage to the basal ganglia, leading to involuntary movements and variable muscle tone.

3. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Caused by cerebellum damage, leading to shaky movements, poor balance, and coordination issues.

4. Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Involves symptoms from multiple types due to damage in different brain areas, often combining spastic and involuntary movements.