Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy, abbreviated CP, is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

6 facts · 2 storiesDocument updated 2026-10-18

Established facts

People with spastic cerebral palsy have increased muscle tone, meaning their muscles are stiff and their movements can be awkward. This type is usually described according to the parts of the body affected.
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People with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have difficulty controlling movement of their hands, arms, feet, and legs, which can make sitting and walking difficult. Their uncontrolled movements can be slow and writhing or rapid and jerky, and their muscle tone can vary from too tight to too loose even within a single day.
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Doctors classify cerebral palsy according to the main type of movement disorder involved. Depending on the areas of the brain affected, a person can have one or more movement disorders.
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People with ataxic cerebral palsy have problems with balance and coordination. They may be unsteady when walking and have difficulty with quick movements or movements requiring precise control, such as writing or reaching for something.
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Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person's ability to control their muscles.
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