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Cerebral Palsy is a disorder that alters a person's movement

CP can affect a person's muscle tension and posture

This disorder directly affects the brain

CP is the repercussion of brain damage in prenatal development

A person with CP has little to no control over their own muscles

CP can possibly affect a person's brain area

CP can cause a person to having seizures due to lack of muscle control

There are four main types of cerebral palsy

Spastic - muscles tightening, spasming, and stiffening

Dyskinetic - Involuntary movements and no control over muscles

Ataxic - Issues with balance and coordination

Mixed - All the symptoms above combined

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Cerebral Palsy is a result of damage to the brain affecting areas controlling movement.

This impairment can spread to other sections of the brain, further escalating difficulty for an individual.

Damage can occur at any time: before, during, or after birth, although 80% of the causes happen before birth, and 10% are after.

EXAMPLES OF CAUSES BEFORE AND DURING BIRTH

Premature Birth: when a baby is born earlier than expected, typically before 37 weeks

Abnormalities in fetal brain development

Infections residing in the central nervous system, typically the brain or spinal cord

Strokes

Blood flow and oxygen not supporting the brain

Kernicterus: damages the brain through the buildup/overproduction of a chemical known as bilirubin

Meconium aspiration: stool mixing with amniotic fluid, affecting the baby's airways

EXAMPLES OF CAUSES AFTER BIRTH

Accidental injuries that cause damage to the brain (ex: a severe concussion)

Physical abuse

Suffocation depriving oxygen

Strokes

Infections

Bleeding in the brain

Jaundice leading to kernicterus affecting motion and the control of muscles

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Unusual head size: an individual with Cerebral Palsy may have an unnaturally larger or smaller head

Frustration, easily irritated

Social deprivation: they may have little reaction to others

Hypotonia, having lower muscle tones and appearing "floppier"

Slower development, delays

Stiffness in joints

Uncoordinated, clumsy, fidgety movement

Uncontrollable contractions or spasms leading to positional discomfort

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Cerebral palsy is incurable but there are several treatments to help those with CP

There are medications for cerebral palsy that can treat symptoms and effects of CP such as muscle relaxants, pain killers, and seizure control medicine

Undergoing surgical procedures can prevent involuntary muscle movement

Surgery can improve joint and spine posture/movement

Surgery can implant medicine into a person with cerebral palsy to ensure they have consistent intake of the right medication

Undergoing a surgery where electrical brain stimulators are implanted into the person with cerebral palsy can help strengthen brain engagement

Attending physical or occupational therapy can help train a person with cerebral palsy to adjusting their mobility and control.

It also benefits a person with CP to practice how to move at therapy so they can learn how to do day-to-day activities.

People with cerebral palsy tend to have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Meeting with a therapist or talking to a loved one can relieve these symptoms.

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ARTICLES

“Cerebral Palsy: A Variety of Causes, Effects and Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, 2 June 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8717-cerebral-palsy.

“About Cerebral Palsy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 July 2025, www.cdc.gov/cerebral-palsy/about/index.html.

“Cerebral Palsy | CP.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Oct. 2024, medlineplus.gov/cerebralpalsy.html.

VIDEOS

"People at CPA: Esra Kiyak - Disability Support Practitioner." Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Youtube, 13 Oct. 2025, https://youtu.be/RvtjxqEj5k4?si=c0rya77-5L21sFbJ.

"What is Cerebral Palsy?" Joni and Friends, Youtube, 4 Mar. 2024, https://youtu.be/1FrVZf6d2pc?si=yJQBrWTObPs2nS2Z.

"Cerebral Palsy - (DETAILED) Overview." Armando Hasudungan, Youtube, 17 Nov. 2017, https://youtu.be/7fUGWKM32hE?si=NmNsFxv6cs1pWIAi.

IMAGES

"Cerebral Palsy - Cell Therapy." NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, https://www.neurogen.in/cerebral-palsy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

“What Is Cerebral Palsy?” Wanderlust Therapy for Kids, 19 Dec. 2018, https://wanderlusttherapyforkids.com/cerebral-palsy-children/what-is-cerebral-palsy/.

“Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Cerebral Palsy.” Judy Lindsay, ChoosePT, 12 Mar. 2020, https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-cerebral-palsy.

"Types of Cerebral Palsy: Understanding Spastic, Dyskinetic." Forum Desai, NeoMotion, 20 June 2025, https://www.neomotion.in/post/types-of-cerebral-palsy-understanding-spastic-dyskinetic-ataxic-mixed-cp.

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This video follow Esra Kayak, a disability support practitioner, who describes her job as a field of trial and care for affected clients, encouraging independence in their daily lives.

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People at CPA: Esra Kiyak - Disability Support Practitioner

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TYPES OF CEREBRAL PALSY - UNDERSTANDING SPASTIC, DYSKINETIC

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A video that explains the causes, effects, symptoms, and treatments of cerebral palsy.

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Brooke, an individual with Cerebral Palsy, shares the condition and her experience.

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PHYSICAL THERAPY GUIDE TO CEREBRAL PALSY