Cerebral palsy (CP) is a static disorder of the brain. As such this cerebral palsy definition encompasses a variety of neurologically related disorders. Cerebral palsy is also referred to as Little Disease (after William John Little) and static encophalopathy. Cerebral palsy is caused by a number of factors including malformation, injury or scarring to the brain. The resultant effects include difficulty in control of the body's motor abilities and functions. A cerebral palsy definition also takes into consideration that such damage to the brain may occur, prior to, during and even post birth. In most instances, Cerebral Palsy exists from birth. This is called congenital cerebral palsy. However, injury during the birthing process can cause cerebral palsy. If birth trauma has resulted in your child's case of cerebral Palsy do contact a lawyer to learn your immediate rights. Depending upon the circumstances, you may institute a malpractice suit.