Cerebral palsy is the most common crippling disorder among children.
The condition is usually caused by an interruption in the supply of oxygen to the brain before, during or immediately following birth. The part of the brain that controls and coordinates muscular action is damaged, resulting in varying degrees of disability. The child with cerebral palsy may have stiffness or paralysis in one or more limbs, impaired vision or hearing, speech disorders, and involuntary movements such as twisting, twitching, or writhing. When diagnosed and treated early, the extent of disability can often be reduced. In some cases, surgery is used to improve muscle coordination.