CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. It's caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or soon after birth.

bleeding in the baby's brain or reduced blood and oxygen supply to their brain

an infection caught by the mother during pregnancy

the brain temporarily not getting enough oxygen (asphyxiation) during a difficult birth

meningitis

a serious head injury
 

delays in reaching development milestones – for example, not sitting by 8 months or not walking by 18 months

seeming too stiff or too floppy

weak arms or legs

fidgety, jerky or clumsy movements

random, uncontrolled movements

walking on tiptoes

a range of other problems – such as swallowing difficulties, speaking problems, vision problems and learning disabilities
 

Techniques such as exercise and stretching to help maintain physical ability and hopefully improve movement problems