The disorder is marked by several important signs. All persons
with cerebral palsy developed it while the brain was under
development. This limits the age at which the disorder can
develop to at most 5 years old, however 80% of all cases occur
before the baby reaches 1 month old. Secondly, it is a
nonprogressive disorder, that is, once the damage to the brain
is done no additional damage occurs. Cerebral palsy never
worsens, though its symptoms may change with time. The disorder
also never improves. It is a permanent disability which stays
with a person their entire life. Any temporary problems would
suggest a disorder other than cerebral palsy. Additionally, the
disorder is characterized by disruption of the motor skills of
the person. The severity in the loss of motor skills varies
greatly from case to case. Lastly, even though there is a loss
of motor skills, the muscles themselves are not defective. The
problem lies solely in the brain's ability to control those
otherwise healthy muscles. |Table of conten