9 Famous People With Cerebral Palsy | Everyday Health

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. It is caused by a brain injury or abnormality that occurs before, during, or immediately after a child's birth.

People with cerebral palsy typically have poor muscle coordination and difficulty controlling certain body movements. However, some people have more disabling symptoms than others. The effects of CP can be as mild as a minor limp or as extensive as paralysis of the legs or hands, speech impairment, and sometimes intellectual disabilities.

Treatment for cerebral palsy may include speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapyto improve physical functioning and learn ways to accomplish daily tasks. Medications may also be used to treat such CP-related conditions as spasticity (abnormally contracted muscles), digestive problems, and mood disorders.

The use of assistive devices for mobility, communicating, seeing, and hearing can also be an important part of CP treatment.

Most people with cerebral palsy live to adulthood, and having CP doesnt prevent a person from desiring to live a full life. The individuals profiled here all have CP, and many of them are working to raise public awareness of cerebral palsy in addition to acting, entertaining, writing, painting, and increasing the range of opportunities for others living with disabilities.

Additional reporting by Ingrid Strauch

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9 Famous People With Cerebral Palsy | Everyday Health