Cerebral palsy, also known as CP, affects 1 in 500 children worldwide. Diagnosed in early childhood, CP is the most common physical disability among children even today, in industrialized countries with the best medical care ever seen. Cerebral palsy varies in its overall effects, from barely noticeable to extremely severe, and remains one of life's medical mysteries to this day. Because it affects many people around the world, it is important to understand cerebral palsy and its effects on those diagnosed with the disease. Congenital CP is the most common case of cerebral palsy, caused by brain damage that occurs before or during childbirth. Brain damage can be attributed as the cause of 85-90% of all cases of cerebral palsy associated with “certain risk factors”. There are multiple risk factors associated with congenital cerebral palsy that may increase the risk of developing CP. Children born from pregnancies resulting from reproductive technologies and children born to mothers who had an infection or medical problems during pregnancy are also much more likely to get cerebral palsy. developing cerebral palsy developed by these types of problems is often called acquired cerebral palsy or cerebral palsy caused by infection or injury before birth. Although there are preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting this disorder, there are preventative measures. no way to completely prevent or treat CP. There are three main types of cerebral palsy, spastic, dyskinetic and ataxic. The first of these, spastic CP, is the most common and affects approximately 80% of people with this disorder.... ... middle of paper ......h riding a horse. Although the clients who came to Horses Help all suffered from different disorders, I was fortunate to work with all three of these children and work up close and personal with cerebral palsy. CP will continue to be a medical mystery. The work continues as scientists search for a cure and better ways to improve the lives of those already struggling with this disease. There are many types of CP and they all vary in severity and effects on the body, but all have major implications for the body and appropriate steps must be taken to try to prevent the child from developing cerebral palsy. (CP)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 17, 2013. Web. November 8, 2013. “What is Cerebral Palsy?" World Cerebral Palsy Day cerebral palsy. The Allergan Foundation, 2013. Web. November 10.. 2013.