Cerebral palsy affects 'one in 400' births

Published on Thursday 18 September 2008 00:33

ONE in every 400 children born in the UK has cerebral palsy, it was claimed yesterday.

The condition affects movement, but its effects can vary from barely noticeable to extremely severe.

Children are thought to develop cerebral palsy due to problems in the womb which cause a defect to the brain.

Complications during birth can also cause cerebral palsy, but it is possible for a child to develop the condition due to an infection or accident during his or her early years.

The term cerebral palsy includes a variety of conditions.

People with spastic cerebral palsy find some muscles become very stiff and weak.

Those with athetoid cerebral palsy struggle to control their posture and tend to make unwanted movements. People with ataxic cerebral palsy usually have problems with balance but may also have shaky hands and irregular speech.