Cerebral PalsyBased on information provided by

cerebralpalsy.org

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Blanket term described by loss or impairment of motor function

Caused by brain damage, which is caused by brain injury or abnormal development

Affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance

Can also affect fine motor skills, gross motor skills or oromotor skills

What is Cerebral Palsy Continued

Non life-threatening

IncurableNon-progressivePermanentNot contagiousChronicManageable

Symptoms

*Impairments differ in severity*

Impairment in muscle tone, gross and fine motor functions, balance, control, reflexes, and posture

Oromotor dysfunction: swallowing and feeding difficulties, speech impairment, and poor muscle tone in the face

Associative conditions

Seizure Sensory impairmentLearning disabilities

Other Information

Most common sign is developmental delay

Clinically identifiable during routine exams and testing

Many signs and symptoms not readily visible at birth

The earlier a diagnosis can be made, the better

Early intervention programs and treatment protocols are beneficial to managment