Understanding Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Cerebral palsy happens when the areas of the brain that control movement and posture do not develop correctly or are damaged. Cerebral palsy is usually identified before 3 years of age.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary from person to person, but all people with cerebral palsy have problems with movement and posture. Many will also have problems with vision, speech or hearing; seizures; cognitive development; or joint problems. Cerebral palsy does not get worse over time, but the symptoms can change over a person's lifetime.

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but proper treatments including medicines; braces; and physical, speech and occupational therapy can improve the quality of life for those who have cerebral palsy.

Fact Sheets and Frequently Asked Questions

• The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention has created a fact sheet about cerebral palsy in both English and en Español .
• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides answers to frequently asked questions about cerebral palsy.
• The  Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation has created a fact sheet about cerebral palsy.

Other Resources

• March of Dimes strives to help women have full-term pregnancies and is dedicated to researching problems that threaten the overall health and well-being of babies.

• Cerebral Palsy Group provides free educational information and support to those who have been affected by cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.

• The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention has created a podcast that describes the causes, preventions, types, and symptoms of cerebral palsy.

• My Child provides information, resources, and referrals around cerebral palsy through a call center and online.
• Cerebral Palsy Guide provides free educational materials, financial options and support to help those across the country affected by cerebral palsy.

Advocacy and Social Connections

• To connect with other parents and families who have a child with cerebral palsy contact the Family Support Network™ of North Carolina.
• United Cerebral Palsy educates, advocates, and provides support services for people with a spectrum of disabilities, including cerebral palsy.
• Easter Seals of North Carolina and Virginia and United Cerebral Policy collaborate in their efforts to educate, serve, and advocate for those with cerebral palsy and other special needs. 
• To read stories about those affected by cerebral palsy or to share your story, visit <a https:="" www.cerebralpalsy.org="" inspiration"="" target="_blank">My Child’s Stories of Inspiration.