Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of B.C.

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What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral = Relating to the brain. Palsy = Paralysis of any voluntary muscle as a result of some disorder in the nervous system.

Cerebral Palsy is a term used to describe a group of disorders that effect body movement and muscle coordination.  

The development of the brain begins in the early stages of pregnancy and continues until the child reaches about three years of age.  Any damage to the brain within this period of development may lead to CP (Cerebral Palsy).

CP in the most severe cases can result in little to no muscle control and differing degrees of spasticity which can greatly effect movement and speech. 

Other abilities that may be affected include lack of coordination, muscle tightness, involuntary movement, speech impairment, and abnormal perception and sensation. 

One of the main causes of CP is lack of oxygen to the brain any time during development.  It can also be caused by other abnormalities/problems during pregnancy and childhood.  Teratogens (such as alcohol and drugs) can also be a cause of CP as well as poor nutrition, a damaged placenta, and incompatible blood types. CP is a permanent condition and will effect the child for their entire life.                            

CP is not contagious it is a condition not a disease.  In most cases it is not hereditary and not life threatening.  The condition is also not progressive, meaning its outwards signs tend to remain stable throughout the person's lifetime.