In the United States, there are currently 764,000 children and adults who exhibit one or more of the symptoms of cerebral palsy (CP). The term cerebral palsy refers to nonprogressive neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood that permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination. Cerebral palsy affects muscle movement and coordination; it is caused by damage to certain areas of the brain that control motor functions and balance. Most of the time, cerebral palsy occurs during or right after birth, but its symptoms may not be seen or identified until months later. Additionally, a small percentage of children can be diagnosed with CP within the first years of life due to brain infections or head injuries.

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