Cerebral palsy is a brain (cerebral) disorder (palsy). What you need to know about cerebral palsy is that it is an umbrella term. The words "cerebral palsy" describes several related chronic conditions displaying motor disorders. Cerebral palsy is also referred to as "Little Disease" and static encephalopathy. It mainly is first seen among children. There is very little certainty in discussion about cerebral palsy and causal factors. While experts agree it is the result of damage to the brain, there is no current agreement on why. At one point, it was believed birth trauma was the major cause of cerebral palsy. Today, most experts acknowledge this is not the case. While it may still happen, not every case of cerebral palsy is the result of medical neglect or carelessness. Not every instance of cerebral palsy requires the services of an attorney. What you also need to know about cerebral palsy is the characteristics of the various types range in intensity or effect. This will effect such things as therapy, life expectancy and quality of life.