Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that can affect the brain and/or spinal cord. Signs and symptoms generally appear during infancy or early childhood and vary based on the type of cerebral palsy (spastic cerebral palsy, dyskinetic cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy, and mixed cerebral palsy), the severity of the condition and which area(s) of the brain are affected. Common features include a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a "scissored" gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy. Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. Most of these problems occur as the baby grows in the womb; however, they can happen at any time during the first 2 years of life. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatment is available to alleviate some symptoms. This may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy; certain medications; surgery; and/or devices (i.e. braces, wheelchairs) to aid in mobility.^[1][2][3]

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NCATS Co-Sponsored Conferences

• Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: Opportunities and Challenges Monday, August 9, 2010 - Tuesday, August 10, 2010
  Location: Pooks Hill Marriott, Bethesda, MD

  Description: The goals of this meeting were to review the current evidence for care practices and define gaps for which knowledge regarding care is lacking. It was hoped that information (or lack thereof) presented at this meeting would lead to new initiatives and advancement of knowledge and care in the field.

  Contact: Rosemary D. Higgins, M.D., higginsr@mail.nih.govhigginsr@mail.nih.gov

  Co-funding Institute(s): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Office of Rare Diseases Research

  • Agenda ( - 95KB)
  • Participants ( - 29KB)
  • Summary ( - 32KB)

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