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: About one in 400 British children is thought to have Cerebral Palsy.
article_snippet: The more premature the baby, the higher the risk and, according to the charity Scope, around 1,800 children are diagnosed every year.
article_snippet: The symptoms of CP vary between individuals, but include 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.
article_snippet: Some have problems walking while others are profoundly disabled and require lifelong care.
article_snippet: Those with cerebral palsy often have other related conditions or problems, including epilepsy, learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairment, difficulties speaking or understanding other people speak, and delayed growth. '