Cerebral Palsy | General Term for More Specific Neurologic Disorders
Cerebral Palsy is a general health condition which encompasses a group of neurologic disorders that appears during infancy or early childhood. The term “cerebral palsy” (CP) literally means brain paralysis but its precise definition remains vague. Cerebral Palsy (CP) affects the body movement and muscle coordination permanently. The condition is non-contagious meaning it’s confined to person who has it.
Cerebral palsy (CP) appears early in life but is non-progressive. It does not worsen in time. A person with cerebral palsy do not have problem in the muscles or nerves. Cerebral palsy is caused by damages or abnormalities in the brain. The brain lesions in cerebral palsy interfere with development of motor skills and posture causing limitations in certain activities.
Majority of people with cerebral palsy (CP) are born with it. According to Wikipedia, 75% of cerebral palsy occurs during pregnancy. Only 5% results at childbirth secondary to brain insult. Another 15% of cerebral palsy occurs after birth until 3 years old. Brain damage or abnormalities that occur after 3 years of age which provides similar symptoms are no longer called cerebral palsy (eMedicine).
There are several types of cerebral palsy. Each type has different manifestations. But they all resulted from brain lesions. This health condition (cerebral palsy) is non-curable but a series of treatment can improve a child’s capabilities. A person with cerebral palsy is not totally disabled as others know. Cerebral palsy (CP) patients can live a normal life if the condition is properly managed.
