what is cp

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a persons ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting an estimated 764,000 children and adults in the U.S. CP is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain that affects a child’s ability to control his or her muscles. There are several possible causes of the abnormal development or damage, including lack of oxygen during the birth process, exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy, and certain maternal health conditions. CP is not progressive, meaning it doesnt get worse over time, and some symptoms may even change as the child gets older. Common treatments for CP include medicines, surgery, braces, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The signs of CP vary greatly because there are many different types and levels of disability, and the main sign that a child might have CP is a delay reaching motor or movement milestones.