Cerebral palsy (CP) is an abnormality the ability to move and control movements. It usually begins at less than 1 year of age. A problem in the brain that may arise due to different factors including infection, prematurity, genetic disorders, or stroke causes cerebral palsy.
The most common signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy are related to problems controlling movement and can include problems with coordination, stiff muscles, overactive reflexes, involuntary movements, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, paralysis of one side of the body, tremor, gait abnormalities and difficulty walking, and physical deformity. Some people with the condition experience associated symptoms like urinary incontinence, loss of muscle control and balance (ataxia), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), floppy appearance (in an infant), difficulty chewing, and speech difficulty.
Causes of cerebral palsy
Congenital brain damage, abnormal brain development, and a lack of oxygen during birth can cause cerebral palsy. The cause is unknown in many cases.
Other cerebral palsy symptoms and signs
- Constipation
- Coordination Problems
- Difficulty Walking
- Drooling
- Dysphagia
- Failure to Thrive in a Child
- Gait Abnormalities
- Hearing Loss
- Involuntary Movements
- Learning Disability
- Muscle Spasms
- Muscle Weakness
- Overactive Reflexes
- Paralysis on One Side of the Body
- Physical Deformity
- Seizures
- Speech Disorder
- Stiff Muscles
- Stuttering
- Teeth Grinding
- Tremor
- Urinary Incontinence
Main Article on Cerebral Palsy Symptoms and Signs
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