Cerebral Palsy also known as CP is an umbrella term which refers to a group of physical disorders which affects an individuals ability to move;

Cerebral means “of the brain” and palsy refers to the lack of muscle control
CP is non progressive disorder however without therapeutic treatment impairments may progress
People who have cerebral palsy may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech and intellectual impairments.

The main types of cerebral palsy are:

Quadriplegia affects both arms and legs, the trunk, face and mouth may also be affected
Diplegia affects both legs, in some cases arms may also be affected but to a lesser extent
Hemiplegia affects one side of the body
An individuals Cerebral palsy can also be described by the way it affects their movement
Spastic where muscles feel stiff and tight, this is due to damage of the motor cortex
Dyskinetic is involuntary movements caused by damage to the Basal Ganglia
Ataxic where muscles produces a shaky movement which also affects balance, this is due to cerebellum damage
An individual with CP may also have a combination of damage to the brain resulting in a variety of movement patterns

Injury Fact sheets - Chronic Conditions