Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is caused by an injury to the parts
of the brain that control
movement during the early stages of development. In most cases, this
injury occurs during pregnancy. However, it can sometimes occur during
birth and from brain injuries in early infancy (such
as lack of oxygen from
near drowning, meningitis, head injury or being shaken).
It is estimated
that two children out of every 1,000 have cerebral palsy.
Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties with:
Movement of body parts or the whole body
Talking as well as non-verbal communication (facial expressions may
not always reveal true emotions – i.e. the
child might appear to be
smiling but is actually very angry or sad)
Involuntary muscle movements (spasms)
Eating and drinking
Muscle weakness or tightness
Balance
and coordination
Posture (the ability to put the body in a chosen position and keep
it there)
Attention and concentration
