Description
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. It is caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. CP can also lead to other health issues such as vision, hearing, and speech problems, as well as learning disabilities. Although there is no cure for CP, treatments, therapies, special equipment, and sometimes surgery can help manage the condition.

Types of Cerebral Palsy
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Causes stiffness and difficulty with movement.
- Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: Leads to involuntary and uncontrolled movements.
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Affects balance and depth perception.

Causes
The exact cause of CP is often unknown, but it can result from:
- Brain damage during pregnancy: Due to infections, maternal health issues, genetic disorders, or other factors.
- Complications during birth: Though less common, issues during labor and delivery can lead to CP.
- Premature birth or low birth weight: Higher risk for CP, especially in babies weighing less than 3.3 pounds.
- Brain damage in early childhood: Causes include lead poisoning, bacterial meningitis, malnutrition, shaken baby syndrome, or car accidents.

Symptoms
Signs of CP vary widely but generally include:
- Impairment of muscle tone
- Poor movement coordination and control
- Reflexes that persist beyond infancy
- Posture and balance issues
- Delayed gross and fine motor skills
- Difficulty with oral motor functions (e.g., swallowing, speech)

Symptoms may not be immediately visible at birth and often emerge within the first 3 to 5 years as the child develops.

Treatments & Therapies
Treatment for CP is individualized based on the type and severity of the condition. The primary approaches include:
- Therapy: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve motor skills and functional abilities.
- Adaptive equipment: Tools like braces, wheelchairs, and communication devices to assist with daily activities.
- Drug therapy: Medications to manage muscle stiffness and other symptoms.
- Surgical interventions: Procedures to correct physical impairments or improve motor function.

Charities/Organizations
- The Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy: [http://ofcp.ca/](http://ofcp.ca/)
- The Cerebral Palsy Support Foundation of Canada: [https://www.chimp.net/](https://www.chimp.net/)