What
is Cerebral Palsy?
If someone has cerebral
palsy, it means that part of their brain either is not working properly
or has not developed normally. The affected area is usually one
of the parts which controls the muscles and certain body movements.
In some people cerebral
palsy is barely noticeable whilst others may be more severely affected.
No two people with cerebral palsy are the same. It is as individual
as the people themselves.
Who
has Cerebral Palsy?
One in every 400 babies
in Britain are born with, or develop cerebral palsy each year.
It can affect boys and girls, and people from all races and social
backgrounds.
How
is it caused?
The impairment to the brain
which causes cerebral palsy usually happens before, around or soon
after birth. There are various causes e.g. an infection in the
mother during the early weeks of pregnancy, a difficult or pre-term
birth.
What
are its effects?
People with cerebral palsy
cannot control some or all of their movements. Some people are
hardly affected at all. Some will have difficulty in talking, walking
or using their hands. Some will be unable to sit up without support
and will need help to do most everyday tasks.
Cerebral palsy is not progressive, it does not become more severe
as a person gets older.
|
