What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a term used to describe a set of chronic disorders that impair the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture.  This disruption in the brain’s ability to adequately control movement and posture is caused by faulty development or damage to the motor areas in the brain.  

By definition, Cerebral Palsy refers to the brain’s two halves (cerebral) and, to any disorder involving the impairment of control of bodily movement (palsy).  Generally, there are four types of Cerebral palsy:  Spastic cerebral palsy, Athetoid  (or dyskinetic cerebral palsy), Ataxic cerebral palsy, and mixed forms.  Common causes of cerebral palsy are breech presentation, complicated labor or delivery, low birthweight, nervous system malformations, maternal bleeding or severe proteinuria, maternal hyperthyroidism, seizures in the newborn and doctor errors. Symptoms may include difficuty breathing, low birthweight, delayed development and mental retardation.

The United Cerebral Palsy Associations estimate that more than 500,000 Americans have cerebral palsy.  There is no cure for cerebral palsy.

Common Misconceptions:

• Cerebral palsy is not a disorder caused by problems in the muscles or nerves.
• Cerebral palsy is not contagious.
• Cerebral palsy is not usually inherited from one generation to the next.

About CerebralPalsyHelp.com

The purpose of this web site is to provide general information with regard to the causes, types,  symptoms,  common signs  and treatment  of cerebral palsy and associated medical disorders, and to assist you in finding medical malpractice lawyers who may be able to assist you in obtaining compensation for injuries suffered as a result of medical negligence. This website does not claim to be complete in its discussion of the diagnosis, treatment and causes of Cerebral Palsy. 

Since Cerebral Palsy, is often caused by physician error or medical malpractice,  issues of legal liability may be present in certain circumstances.   The content of this web site has not been prepared or endorsed by any physicians or other licensed medical professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical or legal advice. The purpose of this site is simply to provide patients and their families with useful information and access to other resources, which may be helpful. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with an attorney for legal advice.

If you think that you or your child may have any of the symptoms related to Cerebral Palsy you should contact a doctor immediately. If your child or loved one has been diagnosed with Cerebral palsy, please click here to contact an attorney. This is a free service sponsored by Counselseek, Inc., and there is no charge or obligation for a free case review. A lawyer will review your case at no charge. If you have further questions regarding Cerebral palsy, please feel free to brows our site, links and resources.