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What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of chronic conditions that affect body movement, muscle condition, learning and thinking due to problems with brain development. The term cerebral refers to the brain, while palsy is a paralysis or lack of control with one's body. Cerebral palsy is not a disease. Rather, it is the name given to a group of disorders that affect one's ability to move and to maintain balance and posture.

Cerebral palsy results from injuries or abnormalities in the brain. Cerebral palsy can also result from brain damage sustained by an infant during childbirth due to trauma or low oxygen levels. The early signs of cerebral palsy appear in the first years of a child's life, typically prior to age 3. In more than 80 percent of cases, cerebral palsy develops within the first month of life.

In the United States, approximately 8,000 infants and 1,200 to 1,500 preschool-age children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year.

Some people with cerebral palsy require little or no assistance. Others with proper therapy and assistive devices-such as crutches, braces, walkers, and wheelchairs-can learn to be mobile and independent. Those with severe cerebral palsy may require special medical, educational, and social services. 

In addition to its physical effects, cerebral palsy can put tremendous financial stress on the family of a child with the disorder. In 2003, the average lifetime cost of cerebral palsy-related expenses for one person was estimated at $921,000. This figure represents both direct and indirect costs, such as medical expenses, accessibility modifications to homes and cars, special education, and lost wages.

Learn about the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy.

Find out about the causes of Cerebral Palsy.

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