Cerebral palsy is a nonspecific, descriptive term pertaining to disordered motor function that is evident in early infancy and is characterized by changes in muscle tone (typically spasticity or rigidity), muscle weakness, involuntary movements, ataxia, or a combination of these abnormalities. The condition is the result of brain dysfunction and is not episodic or progressive. Although tone and postural abnormalities may become more pronounced during early childhood, qualitative changes are uncommon. The full extent of motor disability may not be evident until the age of 3 or 4 years. Intellectual, sensory, and/or behavioral difficulties may accompany cerebral palsy; however, they are not included in the diagnostic criteria. For the most part, these accompanying difficulties can be managed with conventional approaches to each entity
Dr. Jayaprakash
Superintendent, ICH.
Institute of Child Health.
Gov. Medical College Kottayam.
Kerala, India.