Cerebral palsy refers to a group of medical conditions that involve abnormalities in the development of motor function.  Patients with cerebral palsy often have abnormalities in terms of muscle tone, joint movement, and  posture among many others. This condition is labelled as non-progressive and may also present with other non-motor symptoms such as abnormalities in cognition, feelings, and learning.

Most cases of cerebral palsy are diagnosed with patients during their first year of life.  some patients have this condition while they were still unborn while others get the symptoms as soon as they are born.  There are also cases that involve motor impairment during early infancy. Symptoms of cerebral palsy often vary among different patients in terms of motor function and degree of involvement. The basic symptoms include abnormal muscle tone, abnormal reflexes, impaired joint function and movement, and abnormal posture. Severe cases of cerebral palsy may lead infants to not be able to walk properly.  Some will also have tremors and involuntary movement in various parts of the body.  Some patients will also present with other symptoms like epilepsy or seizures, cognitive and learning delays, and vision problems.

Damage to the brain while it is developing is the main cause of cerebral palsy. This damage may occur during pregnancy, during and/or after delivery.  Infants that are born prematurely are said to be prone to developing cerebral palsy.  Treatment for cerebral palsy is considered long-term and lifelong.  Intensive physical and occupational therapy is prescribed on a daily basis along with medications to control muscle tone problems and involuntary movements.  Many cases also require orthotic devices like braces and splints to improve posture, assist walking, and/or promote better movement patterns. The basic goal of treatment is to help patients get the most improvement in terms of motor function and skill.  For the upper extremities, therapy is aimed at improving hand and arm function to aid patients in various activities.  For the lower extremities, focus may be to improve posture and/or gait.