Cerebral Palsy
One in four hundred births will be affected by cerebral palsy (CP). CP is a condition which is often thought to arise due to brain damage as a result oxygen deprivation. This can occur before birth in the womb, during and after birth, usually within the first six months of life.
There is no cure for CP, although their are supportive treatments, specialist equipment and medication that can help. CP is not contagious, progressive or hereditary.
People with CP can have physical disability, learning difficulties, communication problems, swallowing problems (Dysphagia), sight, hearing impairments or multiple disabilities. For some people the effects will be very mild whilst for others they can be severe or profound, with many variations in between. The most common and obvious effect is a problem in controlling movement and posture.
Depending on which parts of the brain are affected the person might also have sight or speech problems, epilepsy, and perhaps learning disabilities.
Today, more sophisticated medical care means that many more premature babies are now surviving. Some of these children have more than one severe problem and over the last few years the number of people with cerebral palsy who have profound and multiple difficulties has increased.
World CP Day
Every year 'World Cerebral Palsy Day' is celebrated on 6th October to help raise awareness for the disability itself.