Cerebral Palsy

A condition caused by injury to the cerebrum, specifically to the motor regions that control movement.  It is believed that the initial injury is related to an oxygen deficit in the affected regions of the brain.  To varying degrees, the patient may experience muscle spasms or tightness, dysfunctional gross movements of walking and maintaining balance, and dysfunction of fine motor skills such as writing, and problems with perception and sensation.  Intelligence can range from very bright to cognitively impaired.  It is not a progressive disease, though its effects may change somewhat over time.  Treatment includes therapy, drugs for severe muscle spasms or seizures, bracing, mechanical aids to compensate for lack of muscle control, and surgery to correct physical deformities