| Cerebral palsy, often referred to as CP, is not just a | | | | The severity or presence of the symptoms may vary |
| single disorder but an umbrella term for a group of | | | | from person to person and may even wax or wane |
| disorders that affect both body movement and | | | | over time. However, it is important to note that |
| posture. Cerebral palsy is generally caused by damage | | | | cerebral palsy will not get worse over time; CP is not a |
| in one or more parts of the brain that control | | | | degenerative disease and does not cause death. |
| movement and muscle tone. CP can also be caused | | | | Despite the varying levels of severity, there is a variety |
| by abnormal development in these regions of the brain. | | | | of cerebral palsy treatments available to patients |
| Since cerebral palsy is an umbrella term, many people | | | | today though there is no cure. |
| are unaware that there are many different types of | | | | Treatment for CP helps reduce the disabilities often |
| CP which include spastic, dyskinetic, athetoid, ataxic, | | | | associated with the disorder. A specified therapy |
| and mixed. Spastic cerebral palsy is, in fact, the most | | | | regime will be determined by the patient and medical |
| commonly occurring type and is primarily identified by | | | | professionals but will often include some form of |
| increased muscle tone. The muscles of a person | | | | physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, |
| suffering from spastic CP are stiff (spastic) and exhibit | | | | therapeutic braces, drugs, or even surgeries. Many |
| jerky or awkward movements. The symptoms can be | | | | patients experience the use of cerebral-palsy braces |
| found in both legs, a single side of the body, or the | | | | at some point. |
| entire body. | | | | The use of braces in treating the symptoms of |
| People with cerebral palsy all have difficulty | | | | cerebral palsy is effective in reducing spasticity and |
| coordinating muscles and controlling movement. Other | | | | improving the range of motion for the affected areas. |
| symptoms of CP include poor muscle tone, | | | | The most common type of brace is an ankle-foot |
| uncontrolled movements, problems with balance, | | | | orthosis (AFO) which actually minimizes gait |
| posture, coordination, walking, swallowing, and speech, | | | | irregularities in patients. These devices can also help |
| muscle stiffness, and breathing problems. There is also | | | | reduce energy expenditure, improves ambulation, and |
| the possibility of mental retardation, learning disabilities, | | | | increases speed. Braces coupled with physical therapy |
| seizures, bladder and bowel control problems, dental | | | | are usually quite effective. |
| problems, and hearing and vision problems. | | | | |