Cerebral palsy occurs when the brain is damaged during childbirth or at a young age. There is no known cure for cerebral palsy. Therapy is the only known discourse at present. Cerebral palsy can affect the nervous system’s functions such as learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking.

Fact 1. Cerebral palsy does not degenerate with age.

Fact 2.   Although cerebral palsy is a permanent condition, various therapies can reduce its effects.

Fact 3.    Sophie Christensen is a Paralympics gold medalist who was born with cerebral palsy.

Fact 4.   Recent medical studies have found that antenatal magnesium sulphate given to expectant mothers could reduce the risk of cerebral palsy.

Fact 5.  The term cerebral palsy (CP) translates as brain paralysis.

Fact 6.  In the U.S., the rate of incidence of cerebral palsy is approximately 1 in 34,000 or an estimated 8,000 of the total population.

Fact 7.  Symptoms of cerebral palsy include: tight and weak muscles, abnormal walk, and tight joints.

Fact 8.  Cerebral palsy occurs as different modes of disabilities in every child. It could affect one side of a child’s body known as hemiplegia.  If the legs are affected, it is called diplegia, and if both arms and legs are affected it is known as quadriplegia.

Fact 9. It is crucial that a full neurology exam be conducted to determine cerebral palsy. In older people, cognitive testing is also important. Other tests, which should be conducted, include: blood test, head CT and MRI scan, electroencephalogram (EEG), hearing, and vision tests.

Fact 10. From the legal perspective, if a child was born with cerebral palsy due to a birth injury or medical malpractice, the parents and child may be entitled to pursue compensation referred to as Lifetime Benefits.