Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of disorders that can involve brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking, rather than a specific disease. Cerebral refers to the cerebrum, an area of the brain that is affected. Palsy refers to the disorder of movement characteristic of persons with CP.

CP is characterized by a non-progressiveCondition or disability will not get worse as time passes. impairment of movement and posture resulting from brain injury or abnormally occurring early in development (before 3 years of age). However, there are often secondary conditions such as Epilepsy (caused by seizures) that can be progressive if not closely monitored.

A child with CP has trouble controlling the muscles of the body. CP can affect the muscles of a part, side, or all of the body. Because CP affects the brain, depending on what part of the brain is affected, a child might not be able to walk, talk, eat, or play the same way as their peers. They may need adaptive equipment, special eating utensils, and adaptive devices to engage in daily routines and play.

The brain injury or abnormally that result in CP can occur prenatal (before birth), perinatal (at birth), or postnatal (after birth). The chart below shows that the majority of babies are affected prenatally.

Cerebral+Palsy+Health+Video -- powered by LIVESTRONG.COM