CP posters

Cerebral Palsy Adapted from Hallahan, D.P., J. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Definition Cerebral Palsy is a disorder of movement and posture. It is caused by a brain injury that occurred before birth, during birth or during the first few years after birth. The injury obstructs the brain’s ability to control the muscles of the body properly. Infants with cerebral palsy have difficulty learning basic motor skills such as crawling, sitting up or walking due to the obstruction in the flow of messages coming from the brain.

Cerebral Palsy is more complicated than an impairment of movement and posture. It can be considered part of a syndrome that includes motor dysfunction, seizures and emotional or behavioural disorders due to brain damage.

Motor dysfunction: Abnormality of the motor system

Cerebral Palsy Adapted from Hallahan, D.P., J. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Causes Maternal infections, chronic diseases, physical trauma or maternal exposure to toxic substances or X-rays can cause the damage in the brain resulting in Cerebral Palsy before birth. During the birth process, the brain can be injured especially if labour or birth is difficult or complicated.

Premature birth, hypoxia, high fever, infections, poisoning and any related factors can cause harm after birth. Furthermore, anything that results in oxygen deprivation, poisoning, cerebral bleeding, or direct trauma to the brain can be a possible cause of Cerebral Palsy.

Hypoxia: Deprivation of oxygen supply to the body or a region of the body

Cerebral Palsy Adapted from Hallahan, D.P., J. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Types of Cerebral Palsy: 1. Quadriplegia refers to the effect of Cerebral Palsy on all four limbs 2. Paraplegia means that only legs are affected 3. Diplegia refers to the effect of Cerebral Palsy on either the upper or lower body (more chances of upper body) 4. Hemiplegia means only half side of the body is affected (Left or right) The various types of Cerebral Palsy can also be combined with the following neuromotor disabilities: 1. Spasticity which refers to stiffness or tenseness of muscles and inaccurate voluntary movement 2. Choreoathetoid which refers to the abrupt, involuntary movements and difficulty maintaining balance 3. Atonic which refers to the floppiness or lack of muscle tone

Cerebral Palsy Adapted from Hallahan, D.P., J. M., & Pullen, P. C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Associated disabilities with Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral Palsy affects more than motor disability. As the brain is damaged, sensory abilities, cognitive functions, and emotional responsiveness and motor performance are usually affected.

Hearing impairments, visual and perceptual disorders, speech problems, emotional or behavioural disorders, intellectual disability (mental retardation) or the combination of these several conditions can be manifested. The child may also exhibit drooling and facial contortions.