Cerebral palsy is a group of disabling conditions characterized by nerve and muscle dysfunction.  Cerebral palsy is not a disease; rather it is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls and coordinates muscular action.  Symptoms vary widely depending upon the severity and location of brain damage, and may include the inability to control body movements, speech and language difficulties, feeding problems, learning disabilities, mental retardation, and seizures. Cerebral palsy is not hereditary, contagious, progressive, or a primary cause of death.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT CEREBRAL PALSY?

• Nearly 700,000 Americans manifest some degree of cerebral palsy (1/3 are under 21)
• Over 10,000 infants are born with the condition each year; another 1,500 acquire it annually, in the first few years of life
• There are approximately 10,000 individuals in the Greater Houston area that have cerebral palsy; an estimated 300 new cases are diagnosed annually
• It is the number one leading neuromuscular disability

WHAT CAUSES CEREBRAL PALSY?

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain, before or during birth due to:

• Mother's illness
• Lack of oxygen
• RH incompatibility
• Premature birth
• Drug and alcohol abuse

• Child abuse
• Child's illness
• Lead poisoning
• Accidental injury

LIVING WITH CEREBRAL PALSY AND ALL OTHER DISABILITIES
While there is no "cure" for cerebral palsy; a lot can be done to help individuals with cerebral palsy become self-reliant, contributing members of our community.  Some of this assistance comes from:

• Mechanical Aids
• Surgery
• Counseling
• Medication
• Physical Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy

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