Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is caused by damage to the developing brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth, and it can affect a person’s ability to move, speak, learn, and behave.

• The symptoms of CP can vary widely, depending on the severity of the damage to the brain. common symptoms include:
• Difficulty walking, running, or jumping
• Stiffness or weakness in the limbs
• Tremors or involuntary movements
• Problems with balance and coordination
• Speech and language problems
• Vision and hearing problem
• Learning disabilities
• Delays in reaching developmental milestones
• Epilepsy
• The cause of CP is unknown in most cases. However, it is thought to be caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. Some of the things that can increase the risk of CP include:
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Maternal infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus
• Exposure to toxins, such as lead or mercury
• Head injuries
• Infections
• According to the CDC and American Pediatric Guidelines, the following are the four main types of CP:
• Spastic CP: This is the most common type of CP, affecting about 70% of people with the condition. It is characterized by stiffness in the muscles.
• Dyskinetic CP: This type of CP affects about 20% of people with CP. It is characterized by involuntary movements.
• Ataxic CP: This type of CP affects about 10% of people with CP. It is characterized by poor balance and coordination.
• Mixed CP: This type of CP is a combination of two or more of the other types of CP. It affects about 10% of people with CP.
• The severity of CP can range from mild to severe. People with mild CP may be able to walk and participate in most activities without difficulty. People with severe CP may need help with all activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. 

• Treatment

There is no cure or cerebral palsy. However, with the right support, people with CP can live full, independent and productive lives. The best treatment plan will vary depending on the individual’s specific needs. Some common treatments include:

• Physical therapy: This can help improve muscle strength and coordination.
• Occupational therapy: This can help improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Speech therapy: This can help improve speech and language skills.
• Medications: Some medications may help reduce spasticity (tightness of the muscles) and improve movement.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to improve movement or alignment of the bones.

Early intervention can be a very effective way to help children with CP reach their full potential and improve their motor skills, communication skills, and overall development. It can also help to prevent or delay the development of secondary complications, such as scoliosis or contractures.

The earlier the intervention starts, the better the chances of the child making significant progress.