cerebral palsy (genetic mutation)

cerebral palsy is one of a number of genetic neurological disorders. It can appear in early infancy or early childhood.It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. It affects the body movement and muscle coordination permanently. This means that there isn't a cure for cerebral palsy, but children can get treatment to improve a child's capabilities. Many children go on to enjoy near-normal adult lives if their disabilities are properly managed. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain. The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age. A small number of children have cerebral palsy as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. Researchers are investigating the roles of mishaps early in brain development, including genetic defects, which are sometimes responsible for the brain malformations and abnormalities that result in cerebral palsy. To make sure children are getting the right kinds of therapies, studies are also being done that evaluate both experimental treatments and treatments already in use so that physicians and parents have valid information to help them choose the best therapy.