Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological or movement disorders that do not worsen over time but do permanently affect body movement and muscle control. The disorders appear in infancy or early childhood. Although cerebral palsy affects muscle movement, it is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain and/or spinal cord that control motor movement.

A wide variety of treatment options are available for patients with cerebral palsy including oral medications, intramuscular injections, referral for surgical procedures, adaptive equipment and rehabilitation therapies.

Due to the variations and complexity of this condition it is important to be evaluated by a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician to fully address all aspects of the child’s abilities. Because the nature of cerebral palsy involves motor function, children with cerebral palsy are often seen in clinics for movement disorders.

Related MWPH Resources

• Physiatry
• Movement Disorders
• Early Detection 
• Constrained-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
• Adaptive Equipment/Seating Clinic
• Alternative and Augmentative Communication Evaluations
• Feeding Day Treatment
• Infant Massage
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech and Language Pathology
• Splinting and Casting
• Videofluoroscopy Swallow Studies