CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is the most common of all childhood disabilities, affecting about two to three live births out of 1,000 in the United States.

About 764,000 children and adults currently have cerebral palsy.

Around 8,000 to 10,000 babies and infants are diagnosed per year with cerebral palsy.

The term cerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but don’t worsen over time. Even though cerebral palsy affects muscle movement, it isn’t caused by problems in the muscles or nerves.  It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements.

Feeding difficulties can be present with cerebral palsy. They typically manifest as decreased ability to chew and swallow, and may also involve choking, coughing, gagging, and vomiting.