How Cerebral Palsy Affected Christy Brown By: Mrs. Russell

What is cerebral palsy? “Cerebral palsy may be acquired after the birth of a child. This results from damage to the brain in the first months, or years of life. The injury may be a brain infection (bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis) or head injury following an accident” (“Causes and Symptoms”). “Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways and can affect body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance” (“What Is Cerebral Palsy?”). “People who have cerebral palsy may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech, epilepsy and intellectual impairments” (“What Is Cerebral Palsy?”).

Picture of little girl with CP Image taken from www.greenvilleshrinershospital.org

Some Facts about CP “In Australia there are approximately 34,000 people with cerebral palsy. Worldwide, the incidence of cerebral palsy is 1 in 500 births. There are currently 17 million people in the world who have cerebral palsy” (“What Is Cerebral Palsy?”). “For most people with cerebral palsy, the cause is unknown. There is no known cure for cerebral palsy” (“What Is Cerebral Palsy?”).

Shocking Statistics about people with CP 1 in 3 is unable to walk 1 in 4 is unable to talk 1 in 10 has a severe vision impairment 3 in 4 experience pain 1 in 4 has epilepsy 1 in 2 has an intellectual impairment (“What Is Cerebral Palsy?”).

Picture of little boy with CP Image taken from www.greenvilleshrinershospital.org

Bibliography “Causes and Symptoms.” Cerebralpalsyhelp.com. Cerebral Palsy Help. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. “What Is Cerebral Palsy?” Cerebralpalsy.org. Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Web. 10 Apr. 2014.