Cerebral Palsy is a disability that affects motor function. Brought on by trauma to the brain, there are four different kinds of cerebral palsy , including: spastic, which is the most common and is caused by damage to the motor cortex;  ataxic, which is caused by damage to the cerebellum; athenoid, which is caused by damage to the basil ganglia; and hypotonic, which leaves people with little or no ability to move.

The most obvious symptom of cerebral palsy is abnormal muscle tone. Because those who have cerebral palsy don't have a full range of motor function, their muscles cannot develop normally. This also causes skeletal deformities in some people, as the skeleton relies on the muscles to hold its shape as it grows.

Abnormal muscle tone can manifest in a variety of ways, from poor posture to spasms. Because the muscles affected by cerebral palsy are either not used to their full range of motion, or are not used at all, the muscles will often decrease in size.  This decrease in muscle mass often affects the ability to walk, resulting in either abnormal strides or the inability to walk at all.

There are several symptoms that accompany abnormal muscle tone, including: epilepsy, speech and language disorders, eating problems, mental disabilities, and behavioral problems. All of these secondary symptoms are caused by either the initial damage done to the brain or by the resultant loss in muscle control.

While there is no definite cause of cerebral palsy, there are many contributing factors. Exposure of the fetus to harmful substances during the early stages of development, a lack of oxygen, a traumatic delivery, or an injury in early childhood have all been liked to cerebral palsy. This disease also occurs more often in twins and in premature babies.

The diagnosis of cerebral palsy depends heavily on the medical history of the patient. Once diagnosed, the disability can be treated, but there is no known cure. Despite this, proper nutrition, physical therapy, and the occasional surgery have been shown to improve the condition of those who suffer from cerebral palsy.