title: Cerebral palsy: defining the problem.
abstract: The term "cerebral palsy" has had varied meanings over the past century. This article presents the current consensus definition that best captures the core elements of this heterogeneous entity. Elements comprising the components of the consensus definition are elaborated upon to provide clarity. Areas of remaining lack of consensus, mostly reflecting the timing of diagnosis and the exclusion of various etiologic entities are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology-Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Michael I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Shevell
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Bodensteiner
mesh_terms: D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy