US Medical Term · conditions
Cerebral Palsy
Parálisis Cerebral
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Cerebral Palsy |
| Spanish (Español) | Parálisis Cerebral |
| Chinese (中文) | 腦性麻痺 |
| Korean (한국어) | 뇌성마비 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bại não |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Cerebral Palsy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Paralisia Cerebral |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | สมองพิการ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 脳性麻痺 |
What it means
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement and posture disorders caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before or around birth. It affects muscle control, coordination, and balance to varying degrees. Symptoms range from mild clumsiness to severe movement impairment requiring a wheelchair. Many individuals also have intellectual disabilities, communication challenges, or seizures. CP does not get worse over time, but its effects change as the person grows. Treatment is lifelong and focuses on maximizing independence through physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with medications and sometimes surgery to manage muscle spasticity.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My child has cerebral palsy and needs physical and occupational therapy.
Mi hijo tiene parálisis cerebral y necesita fisioterapia y terapia ocupacional.
My cerebral palsy affects my walking and I use braces to help me move.
Mi parálisis cerebral afecta mi manera de caminar y uso ortesis para ayudarme a moverme.
We need a referral to a neurologist who treats adults with cerebral palsy.
Necesitamos una referencia a un neurólogo que trate adultos con parálisis cerebral.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G80 Cerebral palsyRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026