Cerebral Palsy

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is a condition caused by damage to the brain, usually occurring before, during or shortly after birth. ‘Cerebral’ refers to the brain and ‘palsy’ to a disorder of movement or posture. Put simply, Cerebral Palsy means a physical condition that affects movement as a result of an injury to the brain.

There are several different types of CP and some people are more affected than others, depending on which parts of the brain have been damaged.


What are the characteristics of Cerebral Palsy?

There are three main types of cerebral palsy:

• Spastic cerebral palsy - some of the muscles in the body are tight, stiff and weak, especially when the person tries to use them. Consequently, control of movement is difficult.
• Athetoid cerebral palsy – the person experiences involuntary and uncontrolled movement.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy - problems include difficulty with balance, shaky movements of hands or feet and difficulty with speech.

Depending on which part of the brain has been damaged and the degree of involvement of the central nervous system, one or more of the following may occur: spasms; tonal problems; involuntary movement; disturbance in gait and mobility; seizures; abnormal sensation and perception; impairment of sight, hearing or speech.

Is there a treatment to arrest the progression of Cerebral Palsy?

There is no cure for cerebral palsy – but there are a number of treatments and therapies that can reduce the impact of the condition, either by easing symptoms such as spasticity, improving communication skills or finding other ways to do things. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy all play an important role in managing the condition.

Are there any useful teaching and learning strategies for people with this physical disability?

For information on teaching and learning strategies, click here

Central Remedial Clinic
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For further information on Cerebral Palsy click here
http://www.enableireland.ie/info/whatis.html#cp∞


The Irish Wheelchair Association
National Headquarters
Áras Chúchulainn
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Fax: 01 8333 873
Email: info@iwa.ie
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