title: Cerebral palsy-definition, classification, etiology and early diagnosis.
abstract: Cerebral palsy is a common neurodevelopmental condition encountered by pediatricians. The condition may present itself in many different clinical spectra. The etiological and risk factors are many and an awareness of the interplay of multiple factors in the causation of CP is crucial. In many cases, the cause of Cerebral palsy may not be apparent. Cerebral palsy is invariably associated with many deficits such as mental retardation, speech and language and oromotor problems. A thorough neurodevelopmental assessment of the child with Cerebral Palsy should include evaluation of associated deficits so that a comprehensive early intervention program an be planned and executed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Developmental Pediatrics, Bangalore Children's Hospital, City Centre, Bangalore, India. bchrc@vsnl.com
authors.forename: Chitra
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sankar
authors.forename: Nandini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mundkur
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000209:etiology; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors