A permanent disorder of movement and posture due to a defect of, or damage to, the brain occurring early in life. The brain defect involves those parts of the brain concerned with movement. The incidence of cerebral palsy is 1 per 500 live births.

The most common associated abnormality is impairment of speech. Epilepsy, visual problems and/or deafness may also occur. There are many possible causes of cerebral palsy - it may be associated with prematurely, difficult birth, multiple births and jaundice in the mother during pregnancy. It is often caused by lack of oxygen to the brain during the birth process. It is rarely transmitted as a hereditary disorder. An interdisciplinary team approach is most essential in treatment a cerebral palsy child. Children will need assistance from surgeons, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, special educators and parents.