Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. Cerebral Palsy caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during or shortly following birth; or during infancy. “Cerebral” refers to the brain and “palsy” to muscle weakness/poor control. CP itself is not progressive (i.e., it does not get worse); however, secondary conditions can develop which may, over time, get worse, get better, or remain the same. CP is not communicable. It is not a disease and should never be referred to as such. Although CP is not “curable” in the accepted sense, training and therapy can help improve function.

Associations/Groups:

Tempus Unlimited, Inc.  
600 Technology Center Drive
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: 877-479-7577
E-mail: info@tempusunlimited.org

Community Services: 800-924-7570

Tempus Unlimited  – Personal Care Attendant Program

MassHealth PCA services are self-directed personal care services provided by a personal care attendant, in a community based setting,  and which consists of physical assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

600 Technology Center Drive
Stoughton, MA 02072
Phone: 800-924-7570

United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCP) 
UCP affiliates provide services and support on a community-by-community basis
1825K Street NW, Suite 600
Washington DC 20006
Phone: 800-872-5827 or 202-776-0406
E-mail: info@ucp.org

UCP of Western Massachusetts

  • 208 West Street
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Phone: 413-442-1562
    E-mail: info@ucpberkshire.org
  • 535 Curran Highway
    North Adams, MA 01247
    Phone/TTY: 413-664-9345

UCP of Metro Boston
71 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-926-5480
E-mail: ucpboston@ucpboston.org

Other Information:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cerebral Palsy 
Definition, treatment and prognosis information.

Facts About Cerebral Palsy
Center for Disease Control and Prevention information including causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Fact Sheet last updated on:2/14/2023


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