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What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects movement. It is very common. About two in every 1,000 Canadian children have cerebral palsy. It has many causes, but the underlying problem is the signal the brain sends to the muscles isn’t working properly.

Children with cerebral palsy have an injury to a part of their brain that causes difficulty with movement. They may have decreased ability to move, poor coordination, difficulty with balance or have “extra” movements. Some children’s muscles may feel tight or stiff; this is referred to as spasticity. For example, a child with cerebral palsy may have difficulty with standing, walking and running. Some children have only minimal effects, and can walk; others use a walker or a wheelchair.

The damage in the brain of children with cerebral palsy cannot be changed or cured, however it is also not a progressive condition; in other words it does not cause further deterioration. The onset usually occurs before birth and sometimes during or just after birth. Most young children with cerebral palsy will make progress with motor skills, but the amount of progress, and the amount of time it will take, depends on how severely the child is affected.

Back to Cerebral Palsy Guidebook

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