Some Facts About Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy influences the way that children develop and is therefore known as a developmental disability. In the United States, more people have cerebral palsy than any other type of developmental disability, including Down's syndrome, epilepsy and autism.

Around two out of every 1,000 children who are born in this country have some variety of cerebral palsy. Studies reveal that at least 5,000 infants and 1,200-1,500 preschoolers are diagnosed with cerebral palsy every year. Overall, around 500,000 people in our country have some variety of cerebral palsy.

Although children who have very mild cerebral palsy might recover by the time they reach school age, cerebral palsy is typically a lifelong disability. In many cases, the problems associated with CP affect what and how a child is able to learn.

Cerebral palsy is characterized by the inability to control motor function, particularly muscle control and coordination. The following symptoms may be displayed, depending on what part of the brain was injured:

Muscle tightness

Involuntary movement

Disturbance in gait

Abnormal perception

Seizures

For more information about cerebral palsy, visit http://www.cerebral-palsy-information.com