Group of conditions that result in limited or abnormal functioning in the parts of the brain that control movement. Cerebral palsy usually is caused by brain injury before or during birth. However, brain damage or injury at any time in life can have the same effect. People with cerebral palsy primarily have difficulty with muscular coordination. They also may have seizures or be unable to see, speak, hear, or learn as other persons do. About 24,000 New York residents have cerebral palsy.