About People With Cerebral Palsy

The brain loses control over the use of certain muscles of the body in people with cerebral palsy (CP). How this affects an individual depends upon which part of the brain is damaged. CP can be mild to severe.

Fast Facts

• You cannot "catch" CP because you come in contact with a person who has it. It is not contagious. Persons with CP often go to school and live normal lives. CP affects approximately 8,000 babies and infants in the U.S. each year, according to United Cerebral Palsy.

Differences

• Not all persons with CP have the same challenges. Some enjoy normal intellectual growth and can walk on their own or with the use of crutches. Others use a wheelchair, have a mental disability or difficulty talking.

Symptoms

• Persons with CP have problems performing basic motor skills and can have difficulty controlling their arm or leg movements. The muscles often become stiff and can sometimes cause their legs to shake uncontrollably.

Nonprogressive Effects

• The effects of CP do not worsen over time. If the legs are affected, this is how it will always be. CP will not affect other parts of the body later on.

Management

• There is no cure, but physical therapy is helpful. It loosens the muscles and relieves constant pain and pressure on the joints of the body.