article_snippet: Cerebral palsy is the general term for a number of neurological conditions that affect movement and co-ordination.
article_snippet: Specifically, cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling muscles.
article_snippet: The condition can occur if the brain develops abnormally or is damaged before, during or shortly after birth.
article_snippet: The main symptoms of cerebral palsy normally become apparent during the first three years of a child's life.
article_snippet: The main symptoms of cerebral palsy are: Muscle stiffness or floppiness, muscle weakness, random and uncontrolled body movements, balance and co-ordination problems.
article_snippet: Some people with the condition may have communication and learning difficulties, although intelligence is often unaffected.
highlights_snippet: The 22-year-old lives with the neurological condition cerebral palsy .
  