Annually, thousands of newborns around the world suffer from a sad and crippling disorder known as Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy was discovered and named only about a century ago. Cerebral Palsy is a term used to describe several conditions resulting from brain damage or injury causing permanent physical disorders and loss of muscle coordination. The development of the human brain starts in early pregnancy and continues till the age of three. Any damage to the brain during this period may result in Cerebral Palsy.

A British surgeon, William Little in 1860, first identified Cerebral Palsy, previously known as �Cerebral Paralysis�. His theory suggested that Cerebral Palsy was caused by obstetrical complications at birth. He said that a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth damaged the brain tissues that controlled movement. However, Dr. Sigmund Freud opposed this theory, noting that the children who suffered from this disorder also had other problems including mental retardation, visual disturbances and seizures. He suggested that this disorders might have occurred earlier in life, perhaps even during the fetal development stage.

The causes of Cerebral Palsy can be broadly divided into two groups, namely pre-birth palsy and post-birth palsy. The pre-birth Cerebral Palsy can be a result of multiple births, sexually transmitted diseases, poor nutrition, premature delivery, or malformation of the baby�s brain. In the post-birth stage, Cerebral Palsy can be a result of infections such as meningitis, brain hemorrhages, poisoning or drowning accidents.

There are various types of Cerebral Palsy affecting children. These are classified into two categories, either by the number and severity of the limbs involved or by the movement disorders.

It must be noted that this disorder is not contagious or hereditary, nor is it life-threatening. Although no definite cure is available for this heartbreaking disorder, several modern therapies help people suffering from Cerebral Palsy to function more effectively and enrich their life, helping them to explore new horizons.