About Cerebal Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a permanent physical condition that affects movement. Its effect can be as mild as just a weakness in one hand ranging to almost complete lack of movement.

There are three main types of cerebral palsy and each involves the way a person moves. Movements can be unpredictable, muscles can be stiff or tight and in some cases people can have shaky movements or tremors.

People with cerebral palsy may have seizures and other impairments affecting their speech, vision, hearing and/or intellect.

Cerebral palsy, except in its mildest forms, can be seen in the first 12-18 months of life. It presents when children fail to reach movement milestones. Babies most at risk of cerebral palsy are those born prematurely or with low birthweight.

In Australia it is estimated that a child is born with cerebral palsy every 18 hours. Worldwide, the incidence is the same - 1 in 400 births. There is no pre-birth test and no known cure. For most, the cause is unknown.

Ongoing research is vital for the management of cerebral palsy. An Australian Cerebral Palsy Register has been set up to record the incidence and will guide future research in prevention, intervention and service provision.

The CP Helpline is an Australia-wide, confidential telephone and email support service for anyone with questions or concerns about .

The Spastic Centre provides services to people with cerebral palsy and their families from over 70 different sites throughout NSW and the ACT. For more details, contact our Pathways unit on 1300 888 378.