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Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders that affect movement and posture. These disorders are due to abnormal development or damage to the developing brain, typically occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. The brain damage that causes CP is non-progressive, meaning it doesn't worsen over time, but the symptoms and associated conditions can change throughout a person's life.

Here are some key aspects of cerebral palsy:

• Movement and Posture: The primary characteristic of CP is difficulty controlling voluntary movements, which can affect walking, balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. Muscle tone can be affected in various ways, leading to stiffness (spasticity), involuntary movements (dyskinesia), or floppiness (hypotonia).
• Timing of Brain Injury: The brain injury or abnormal development typically happens during fetal development (in utero), around the time of birth, or within the first few years of life while the brain is still developing. In some cases, the exact cause is unknown.
• Non-Progressive: While the symptoms may become more apparent as a child develops, the underlying brain damage does not worsen. However, the effects of CP on the body can lead to secondary issues over time, such as joint problems or muscle contractures.
• Varied Symptoms: The signs and symptoms of CP can vary significantly from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. Some individuals may have minimal impact on their daily lives, while others may have significant physical disabilities.
• Associated Conditions: Many individuals with CP also experience other conditions, such as:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Seizures (epilepsy)
  • Vision or hearing impairments
  • Speech and communication difficulties
  • Feeding and swallowing problems
  • Orthopedic issues (e.g., scoliosis, hip dislocation)
• Classification: CP is often classified based on the primary type of movement disorder (e.g., spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic) and the parts of the body affected (e.g., hemiplegia, diplegia, quadriplegia).

In essence, cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition resulting from early brain injury or malformation that affects a person's ability to control their movements and maintain posture. The impact of CP varies widely, and individuals with CP may have a range of associated challenges.