Cerebral Palsy Research

Biomedical research has led to better prevention of cerebral palsy and also to better diagnosis and treatment of people with CP. About 70 percent of cerebral palsy occurs prior to birth; 20 percent occurs in the birthing process; and 10 percent occurs during the first two years of life. Risk factors have been identified in each of these situations, and include intrauterine infection, bleeding in the brain, seizures, breathing and circulation problems, and stroke, trauma or other causes of damage to the brain of the unborn baby. Certain conditions known to cause cerebral palsy include rubella (German measles) and jaundice; these can now be prevented or treated.

Low birth-weight babies are 100 times more likely to develop CP than normal weight infants. Scientists are looking for ways to reduce this risk factor, including a closer look at the role of tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs (e.g., antidepressants), environmental toxins, etc.

The role of cytokines is an active research area. Cytokines are chemical messages that regulate the metabolism of a cell and other tissues and influence their activity (i.e., activate immune system cells). Cytokines, released in response to bacterial invasion, low levels of oxygen (hypoxia), and decreased blood flow (ischemia), play a role in the cascade of events that lead to developmental brain injury; their early detection can be important in preventing brain damage in newborns.

Better brain imaging and gait analysis has led to better physical, psychological and behavioral therapies. Medications, surgery and braces can often improve nerve and muscle coordination, help treat secondary medical problems and reduce deformities. Physical therapy is widely used to manage cerebral palsy; evidence is emerging that will help doctors or parents choose the best approach.

The Alan T Brown Foundation to Cure ParalysisFormed to support research in spinal cord injury.

American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM)A multidisciplinary scientific society devoted to the study of cerebral palsy and other childhood onset disabilities, to promoting professional education for the treatment and management of these conditions, and to improving the quality of life for people with these disabilities.

The Australian Spinal Research FoundationFunds research for treatments of spinal cord injuries.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS)Funds numerous projects to develop treatments for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Clinical TrialsAn internet resource with current listings of all federally supported clinical trials in the U.S., sorted by disease or condition, location, treatment or sponsor. Developed by the National Library of Medicine.

Center WatchClinical trials listing of industry professionals, patients and info.

Dana FoundationA nonprofit organization that provides reliable, accessible information on brain and spinal cord research.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Funds research to develop therapies for many conditions related to paralysis, including traumatic injury and chronic disease.

The International Spinal Research TrustISRT is the only charity based in the United Kingdom dedicated to funding research to end the permanence of paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.

International Campaign for Cures of Spinal Cord Injury ParalysisA group of organizations around the world that together fund about $25 million a year in SCI research. The members include: the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Australasian and International Spinal Research Trusts, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Rick Hansen Institute and Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation.

March of Dimes Birth Defects FoundationOffers information about the four major problems that threaten the health of America's babies: birth defects, infant mortality, low birthweight, and lack of prenatal care. Good resources and information on Spina Bifida.

The Mike Utley FoundationProvides financial support of selected research, rehabilitation and education programs on spinal cord injuries.

Miami Project to Cure ParalysisA program affiliated with the University of Miami Medical School. The Project. Founded in 1985, has assembled a broad spectrum of researchers, clinicians and therapists whose full-time focus is spinal cord injury research.

Myelin ProjectFunds research for diseases related to loss of myelin (a fatty insulation on nerve fibers) including multiple Sclerosis and leukodystrophy.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)Funds millions of dollars in research each year seeking therapies for MS. Site includes an overview of MS neuroscience, deep detail and progress reports.

The Paralysis Project of AmericaBased in Los Angeles, The Paralysis Project of America funds selected scientific and clinical studies that focus on spinal cord repair and regeneration.

The Rick Hansen Man in Motion FoundationCreated in Canada in 1988 to support spinal cord injury research, as well as wheelchair sport, injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.

SpinalCure AustraliaEstablished in 1994 to fund scientific research to find a cure for paralysis.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)UCP's mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, through a commitment to the principles of independence, inclusion, and self-determination.

United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation (UCPREF)The mission of UCPREF is to provide “hope through research” to the entire community of people who care about cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. UCPREF provides financial support to research relevant to cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.

UCPWebsite on accessible public transportation.

Library Books and VideosFind resources within the PRC library catalog.

Quality of Life Grants DatabaseFind resources within the PRC Quality of Life Grants Database. Search by Zip Code, State or an Entire Category.

Sus 336 páginas hacen de la PRG una herramienta amplia de información para gente afectada por la parálisis y aquellos que cuidan por ellos. La guía se encuentra disponible en inglés y en español. Solicite su copia.

The information provided in the Paralysis Resource Center was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number 1U59DD000338 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.