What is Cerebral Palsy?

 

 

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition that affects a person’s arms, legs, and how they move. It can affect how someone sits, walks, stands, and moves around.

• Some people with CP may have difficulty doing some of these things, some may have trouble with all, and others may have only mild issues.
• CP usually affects the brain and how it controls muscles and movement.
• It mostly happens during birth or soon after.
• Sometimes it is caused if the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen during birth or early life.
• Everyone experiences CP differently, with varying levels of difficulty.
• Some people with CP may also have epilepsy (seizures) or find it hard to talk.
• Cerebral Palsy itself is not a learning disability, but some people with CP also have learning disabilities.
• Doctors usually diagnose CP when a child is born or soon after.
• Physiotherapy and other therapies can help people with CP improve movement and manage their condition.

For more information, visit: Cerebral Palsy Research Network

Comparing CP (Cerebral Palsy) and SB (Spina Bifida)

Both CP and SB are lifelong conditions that affect how a person moves and functions. But they have different causes, symptoms, and needs.

---

1. What they are (Nature of the Condition)

• Cerebral Palsy (CP):

  • A condition caused by brain damage that affects how muscles work.

  • The brain damage happens before, during, or soon after birth.

  • It does not get worse over time.

• Spina Bifida (SB):

  • A condition where the spinal cord or backbone doesn’t fully form during pregnancy.

  • It’s a type of neural tube defect.

  • It can cause damage to nerves and body control below the spine gap.

---

2. Causes

• CP:

  • Lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain.

  • Brain infections or injury before or during birth.

  • Premature birth or low birth weight.

• SB:

  • The spinal tube doesn’t close properly during pregnancy.

  • Linked to low folic acid in early pregnancy.

  • Can also be caused by genetics or health conditions in the mother.

---

3. Symptoms

• CP Symptoms:

  • Stiff or floppy muscles.

  • Problems with walking or moving.

  • May have seizures, speech issues, or learning problems.

• SB Symptoms:

  • Weakness or paralysis in the legs.

  • Problems with bladder and bowel control.

  • Some may have learning difficulties or hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain).

---

4. How It Affects Daily Life

• Both CP and SB can cause:

  • Difficulty walking or using arms/hands.

  • Problems with independence or needing support.

  • Mental health challenges in both children and adults.

  • Adults may have a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

• CP may affect behavior and social understanding more often.

• SB often involves more physical care, especially bladder/bowel issues.

---

5. Support and Management

• Shared Supports:

  • Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

  • Special education support.

  • Wheelchairs or mobility aids, if needed.

• For CP:

  • Focus on managing muscle tone and motor skills.

• For SB:

  • Surgery may be needed to close the spinal gap.

  • Ongoing support for bladder and bowel control.

  • Watch for hydrocephalus (fluid pressure in the brain).

---

✅ Summary

Feature	Cerebral Palsy (CP)	Spina Bifida (SB)
Cause	Brain damage before/during birth	The spine doesn’t form properly
Part affected	Brain	Spine and nerves
Movement issues	Yes – often widespread	Yes – depends on where the spine is affected
Bladder/Bowel	Sometimes	Common
Cognitive effects	Sometimes	Sometimes
Treatment	Therapy, medication, support	Surgery, therapy, and ongoing medical care
Lifelong?	Yes	Yes

---

Important: Everyone is different. Some people may be very independent, while others need full-time support. Early help and the right care can make a big difference.