What is it?
Cerebral palsy, also referred to as CP, is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is not a disease, and should not be referred to as such. These disorders are not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. Instead, faulty development or damage to motor areas of the brain disrupts the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture. CP is not progressive; however, secondary conditions, such as muscle spasticity, can develop which may get better over time, get worse, or remain the same.

What causes it?
It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth, or during infancy.

How does it affect my job?
People with cerebral palsy may require accessibility modifications to their work environment, or may need to use augmentative communication devices or assistive technology to perform their job functions. Some may require supported employment opportunities in which a job coach from organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy supports them during the work day.

Can it be prevented or treated?
Preventative measures are targeted more at reducing risk factors which can injure the developing brain and may produce cerebral palsy.Risk factors for cerebral palsy include the following: premature birth, low birth weight, inability of the placenta to provide the developing fetus with oxygen and nutrients; lack of growth factors during intra-uterine life; RH or A-B-O type incompatibility between mother and infant; infection of the mother with German measles or other viral diseases in early pregnancy; bacterial infection of the mother, fetus or infant that directly or indirectly attack the infant's central nervous system; prolonged loss of oxygen during the birthing process and severe jaundice shortly after birth.

Cerebral Palsy is not "curable" in the accepted sense; however, training and therapy canhelp improve function. "Management" is really a better word than treatment and is targeted athelpinga child achieve maximum potential growth and development. A management program should be started as early as possible wherein programs, physicians, therapists, educators, nurses, social workers and other professionals assist the family as well as the child. Certain medications, surgery, and braces may be used to improve nerve and muscle coordination and prevent or minimize dysfunction.