A congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture. Cerebral palsy is due to abnormal brain development, often before birth. Symptoms include exaggerated reflexes, floppy or rigid limbs, and involuntary motions. These appear by early childhood. Long-term treatment includes physical and other therapies, drugs, and sometimes surgery.
- Rare
- Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
- Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging rarely required
- Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
