ted individuals have difficulty with coordination while walking and moving the upper limbs. Although the term cerebral palsy refers primarily to problems with muscle tone and movement, other disorders may be present. Mental retardation is common but does not necessarily result in all cases. Other associated problems include epilepsy, visual disturbances, hearing impairment, language difficulty, and slow growth. Advances in diagnostic technology have led to a much better understanding of the causes of cerebral palsy. Over half of the cases are now thought to be due to prenatal causes such as an infection that spreads from the mother to the fetus, maternal stroke that prevents proper blood supply to the fetus, exposure to environmental toxins, or problems in brain development. The remaining cases are due to adverse events such as traumatic birth delivery, premature birth and its complications, meningitis, infection of the brain or its protective coverings, or head injury due to child abuse. Very rarely, heredity plays a role. In some cases, it is difficult to pinpoint a single event that may have caused cerebral palsy. Injury to the brain in individuals with cerebral palsy is permanent, and full recovery is not possible. Damaged brain tissue does not regenerate, but to some extent, normal nerve cells and nerve pathways can take over some function from injured areas, with some limitations. The degree of severity varies so greatly from case to case that it is difficult to make a general prognosis. Successful treatment of cerebral palsy requires input from a variety of professionals. Physicians address health issues such as poor eyesight or restrictions in joint motion. Physical and occupational therapists help the child develop skills necessary to the activities of daily living. Speech pathologists deal with swallowing and speech dysfunction. Psychologists and educators work with emotional or learning difficulties. Nutritionists ensure no...
