"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "Palsy" to a disorder of movement or posture. If a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it means that an injury occurred to their brain (cerebral) and they are not able to use some of the muscles in their body in a normal way (palsy). Children with cerebral palsy may not be able to walk, talk, eat or play in the same ways as healthy children.

Cerebral palsy is neither progressive nor communicable. It is also not "curable". However, aggressive education, therapy and applied technology can help persons with cerebral palsy lead productive lives. It is important to know that cerebral palsy is not a disease or illness. It is not contagious and it will never get worse. Children with cerebral palsy will have it all their lives.

There are three main types of cerebral palsy:

• Spastic 
• Dyskinetic
• Ataxic

Spastic cerebral palsy occurs most often and involves stiff, difficult movements. It documents approximately 50% of cases.

Dyskinetic (athetoid) cerebral palsy affects about 20%. It involves involuntary and uncontrolled movements (twisting, jerking, or other abnormal movements).

Ataxic cerebral palsy involves tremors, unsteady gait, loss of coordination, and abnormal movements. A disturbed sense of balance and depth perception are also associated with ataxic cerebral palsy. It affects 10% of cases.

The remaining 20% are classified as mixed, with any combination of symptoms. Some complications of cerebral palsy involve seizures, injuries from falls, reduced mobility, reduced communication skills, and reduced intellect.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy include:

• Seizures 
• Muscle Contractions
• Difficulty Sucking or Feeding 
• Irregular Breathing 
• Delayed Development of Motor Skills - reaching, sitting, rolling, crawling, walking
• Motormental Retardation 
• Mental Retardation 
• Speech Abnormalities (dysarthria) 
• Visual Abnormalities 
• Hearing Abnormalities 
• Spasticity 
• Progressive Joint Contractures 
• Limited Range of Motion 
• Peg Teeth

If you, your child or a loved one is suffering from the developmental disability known as cerebral palsy, contact our office today (312) 977-9900 for a consultation.

For more information on Cerebral Palsy, including common questions and answers, please click here.