cerebral palsy |
The word “cerebral” refers to the brain’s cerebrum, which is the part of the brain that regulates motor function. “Palsy” describes a paralysis of voluntary movement in certain body parts.
When the motor control centers in the brain are damaged, voluntary and involuntary motor skills do not function properly. This abnormality limits control and coordination of movement in children with cerebral palsy.
When the motor control centers in the brain are damaged, voluntary and involuntary motor skills do not function properly. This abnormality limits control and coordination of movement in children with cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the fetal or infant brain. It occurs when there is neurological damage before, during, or within five years of birth that prevents the brain from developing properly. Damage to the parts of the brain that control motor function causes children with CP to struggle with posture, balance and movement. Although this disability affects muscle movement, it isn’t caused by problems with the actual muscles or nerves—it is strictly caused by developmental brain damage.