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What is Cerebral Palsy? | Cerebral Palsy fact sheet | Cerebral Palsy tutorial

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Interactive Edge Productions and The Spastic Society of Victoria - now Scope presents Cerebral palsy: what it is and how to make a difference.

Cerebral Palsy describes a wide range of movement and posture disabilities.

Cerebral means brain.

Palsy means weakness or muscle control difficulty.

With cerebral palsy, messages from the brain may be sent to the rest of the body at the wrong time, to the wrong place, or not at all. Just like crossed telephone lines, the result is a confused muscle. Some people appear clumsy; for others, the muscles shake and jerk at the wrong time, or become completely relaxed.

Cerebral palsy is not a disease - you can't catch it. It's also not hereditary, nor does it mean there is something wrong with the muscles. It's simply the brain sending the wrong signals at the wrong time.

Why does it happen?

Cerebral palsy is usually caused by injury or changes to the brain during development. Lack of oxygen during birth, injury or extreme premature birth may also be causes.

Things to look for in early childhood are :

• Early feeding problems
• Delayed development
• Poor muscle control
• Muscle spasm
• Poor coordination

Cerebral palsy doesn't actually get worse over time - it's just that the symptoms may change, or it may become more noticeable.

Where does it affect?

Quadriplegia: all four limbs are affected. This may include the muscles of the face and mouth.

Diplegia: all four limbs are affected, but the legs more so than the arms.

Hemiplegia: one side of the body is affected.

Paraplegia: both legs, but neither arm is affected.

The Major difficulties

People sometimes think that those with Cerebral palsy can't understand them. This isn't true - people with cerebral palsy may have trouble moving or communicating but they're still intelligent and aware.

Common symptoms are :

• Clumsiness
• Involuntary muscle movements
• Drooling
• Slurred speech or no speech
• Stiffness or paralysis

People with cerebral palsy have abilities and goals just like everyone else they don't like to be thought of as victims in useless bodies - many can live independently and very successful.

The more society understands about cerebral palsy, the easier it will be for those with the condition to be accepted and participate fully in community life.

The Future

We're always learning more about Cerebral palsy.

We're not only looking into the causes, but also devising new ways to move and to communicate.

It's a constant process, and one made easier by the help and understanding of the rest of the community.

Thank you for your help and understanding.

This presentation was brought to you by the Spastic Society of Victoria.

For more information, e-mail us.