Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a non-profit that serves those with disabilities. They have many affiliate groups across the U.S. and Canada.  UCP was founded in 1949 by parents of children with the motor disorder cerebral palsy. Over the years, UCP has raised awareness about the needs of individuals with cerebral palsy, as well as...

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Dysphagia and cerebral palsy

Dysphagia is a condition characterized by persistent difficulty or pain when swallowing. There are many causes of dysphagia, and people of all ages can suffer from it (1).  Dysphagia is especially common for children with complex medical needs, with an estimated 30-80% of children with developmental disabilities having some form of dysphagia (2). Children with...

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The topographical classification of cerebral palsy (CP) is used to describe the body parts that are affected by the condition. Doctors commonly use this terminology to diagnose and explain where motor difficulties take place on the body.  Key terms Each topographical classification includes a prefix that shows the number of areas affected, and a suffix...

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Nervous system conditions that affect an individual’s movements are called “motor disorders.” They can result in increased voluntary or involuntary movements, as well as faster or slower movements (1). Many motor disorders can have similar signs and symptoms, even though they are caused by different underlying conditions or diseases. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement...

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Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) exists in a variety of different forms, and its symptoms vary significantly from person to person. For instance, while people with severe CP may need a wheelchair to help them get around, people with mild CP might be able to walk just fine on their own (1). All people with CP experience...

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2Cell transplantation is a promising new avenue for treating cerebral palsy (CP). Previous research has shown that stem cell therapy can help children with cerebral palsy; a study published this month indicates that treatment with macrophages may also be effective.  Essentially, macrophages are cells that can repair damaged brain tissue and blood vessels, thereby enhancing...

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A meta-analysis published in the 2018 edition of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment suggests that rhythmic auditory cueing may be a valuable technique to improve gait in individuals with cerebral palsy (1). Many people with cerebral palsy walk with what is known as “scissor gait,” a mobility pattern characterized by leg rigidity and an inward turn...

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Cerebral palsy is a diagnosis that varies in type and severity of neurodevelopmental outcomes. People with cerebral palsy have impaired motor function, and in some cases also have cognitive disabilities. Cerebral palsy can be caused by environmental and/or genetic factors. Environmental causes of cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy can often be attributed to something that goes...

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