Cerebral Palsy Foundation (Saint John)

Cerebral Palsy is the term used to describe a broad range of permanent disorders of the brain resulting in abnormalities in muscle tone, movement and posture. Cerebral means "of the brain" and palsy means "loss of muscle control". These disorders are caused by abnormal development of, or injury to, the developing brain and may occur before, during, or within the first two years after birth. Each person who has cerebral palsy is unique, as it affects individuals in many different ways. Depending on the location and extent of brain abnormality, the person with cerebral palsy may also have associated difficulties with speech, vision and learning. Intellect need not be affected and people with cerebral palsy may have typical career and family aspirations and life expectancy. Any abnormality or injury to the developing brain may cause cerebral palsy. This may be from genetic or developmental disorders affecting the formation of the brain early in pregnancy. Infections or toxins early in pregnancy may also damage the brain. Premature birth or a decrease in oxygen during labour or delivery may result in cerebral palsy. In the first two years of life the developing brain may be injured by trauma or infection, also resulting in cerebral palsy.