Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a disease of the growing brain.
Kids with Cerebral Palsy (CP) can have many different problems.
The brain controls our arms and legs, it helps us crawl, sit, and walk. The brain also helps us to see and hear and talk. The brain is where we keep memories so that we can learn.
Every person affected by Cerebral Palsy is different and faces different challenges.
One person may have trouble walking and another person may have trouble talking, eating, and swallowing. Some people have lots of problems, but other people may only have a few.
When babies are little, they need to go to the doctor often to make sure they are growing normally.
If the family or the doctor notice difficulties, there are many ways to ensure that the growing child gets extra support. That could mean getting glasses or hearing aids. It may mean that the child needs help balancing and walking.
A whole team of doctors, nurses, and therapists will create a special treatment plan for each person.
Doctors and scientists are trying to discover what causes the brains of some babies to grow differently. It seems that there can be many, many reasons.
New technology is allowing people living with Cerebral Palsy to live connected, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.