Cerebral palsy
The symptoms of cerebral palsy normally become apparent during the first three years of a child's life.
Achild withcerebral palsymay be slower in achieving important developmental goals, such as learning to crawl, walk or talk.
The main symptoms largely depend on the specific form of cerebral palsy a person has.
The four main types of cerebral palsy are:
The symptoms of cerebral palsy differ in severity from person to person. Some people only have mild problems, while othersare severely disabled.
The areas affected by cerebral palsy can also vary. Some cases only affect one side of the body, some affect primarily the legs, and some affect both the arms and legs.
Peoplewith cerebral palsy can also have a range of related conditions or problems, including:
If you're concerned about your child's development, see your GP.
If necessary, they can refer you to a paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in the treatment of children), who canhelp identify the problem.
.
Cerebral palsy is the general term for a number of neurological conditions that affect movement and co-ordination.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy normally become apparent during the first three years of a child's life.
Cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling movement. It can occur if the brain is damaged in early life or develops abnormally.
See your GP if you are concerned about your child's development. If necessary, they can refer you to a paediatrician.
Although there's no cure for cerebral palsy, a range of treatments are available to help treat many of the symptoms.
Although the problem in the brain that causes cerebral palsy doesn't get worse with age, further physical and emotional problems can develop.