Cerebral Palsy Glossary and Terms:

Terminology and Definitions for Cerebral Palsy

Apgar Score: A number that doctors use in order to assess the physical condition of a baby at birth.

Apraxia: the inability to of people without motor problems to purposely move.

Asphyxia: Lack of oxygen. Asphyxia is one of the leading causes of brain damage in newborns that leads to Cerebral Palsy.

Athetoid: A type of Cerebral Palsy that causes involuntary bodily movements, which accounts for 20% of all Cerebral Palsy cases.

Brachial Plexus Palsy: A condition caused by damage to the nerves that control arm movement.

Cerebral: Having to do with the two halves of the brain.

Cerebral Palsy: A group of permanent conditions that can cause coordination problems, paralysis, seizures, and spasticity.

Congenital: Happening at birth

Contracture: This condition occurs when muscles become locked in an abnormal and distorted position. Victims of Cerebral Palsy often suffer from this condition due to lack of control over their muscles.

Diplegia: A type of Cerebral Palsy that affects both arms and legs, but most often the legs

Dysarthria: Speaking problems caused by lack of control of mouth muscles.

Erb's Palsy: A condition that results from damage to the nerves in the shoulder that control movement and sensation in the arm. It is a type of Brachial Plexus Palsy.

Hemiplegia: A condition that affects either the right or left side of the body.

Klumpke's Palsy: A type of Brachial Plexus Palsy that affects the wrist and finger muscles.

Shoulder Dystocia: A birth condition that prevents the shoulder of the newborn from passing out of the birth canal.

Spastic: A condition where certain muscles are continually contracted. Many people with Cerebral Palsy experience uncontrollable spasms.