Cerebral Palsy Facts

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common lifelong physical disability.

The prevalence of cerebral palsy in childhood in the US is estimated to be around 3 per 1000, affecting more than 1,000,000 Americans.
Every minute there is another child born with CP in the United States.
CP is more common among boys than girls.
CP is more common among black children than among white children.
The number of people with CP is expected to increase in the next 5 years.
Of all babies born with CP, 60% are born at term.
CP is often caused by early developmental brain disruption or injury in areas that control movement, balance, and posture.
For most people, the specific cause of CP is unknown.
Neuroprotective treatments already in use may prevent or attenuate cerebral palsy in some at-risk infants.
Currently there is no known cure for CP.
CP is a condition that is currently permanent, but not unchanging.
Motor disabilities caused by CP can range from mild to severe.
Most (about 75%-85%) people with CP have spastic CP. This means that their muscles are stiff, and as a result, their movements can be awkward.
Over half (about 50%-60%) of people with CP can walk independently.
For most people with CP, the disorder does not affect life expectancy. However, some individuals with more severe forms of CP, who may also have conditions such as epilepsy or problems with aspiration and pneumonia may be more vulnerable to a shorter than average life.
Many children with CP have average to above-average intelligence and attend the same schools as other children their age.
Many people with CP have one or more additional conditions along with their CP, known as co-occurring conditions or co-morbidities. For example, about 4 in 10 children with CP also have epilepsy. Additional conditions include:

PAIN
SLEEPING DISORDERS
SPEECH ISSUES
DROOLING
SEIZURES
VISION & HEARING ISSUES
LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
CHALLENGES WITH CONTINENCE
SCOLIOSIS, CONTRACTURES
HIP DYSPLASIA

Associated Facts

1 in 2 will have chronic pain
1 in 3 cannot walk
1 in 10 have Autism Spectrum Disorder
1 in 5 cannot talk
1 in 10 have severe vision impairment
1 in 15 have hearing impairment
Rate of depression is 3 times higher