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Cerebral palsy is a term that describes a variety of disorders of movement or posture. These movement problems are due to brain abnormalities that occur early in development. Cerebral palsy affects motion, muscle strength, balance, and coordination. These problems are first noted in early childhood and continue into adult life. The muscles of speech, swallowing, and breathing may be involved. Intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) and seizures can also occur, but these problems are not always present. There are about 500 000 persons who have cerebral palsy in the United States. The November 26, 2003, issue of JAMA includes an article about cerebral palsy.

TYPES OF CEREBRAL PALSY

• Spastic—muscles of the body are stiff and tight and do not allow normal movement
  
• Dyskinetic—muscles stiffen on their own to cause abnormal postures of the arms or legs; may also have writhing movements
  
• Ataxic—balance and coordination are poor
  

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