What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a problem that affects muscle tone, movement and coordination. It happens when the brain can’t correctly send messages to the muscles about how to move in smooth or well-coordinated ways. CP can also affect other body functions that involve motor skills and muscles, such as breathing, bladder and bowel control, eating and talking.

There are different types of CP. Some people have one type or a mixture of:

There is no cure for CP, but a child’s quality of life can be improved by:

Cerebral palsy does not get worse over time.

What causes cerebral palsy?

The cause of CP is not always known. But often it happens when a child’s brain is still developing, such as before birth or in early infancy. This may be due to:

• infections or other medical problems during the mother’s pregnancy
• a stroke either in utero or after birth
• untreated jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
• genetic disorders
• lead poisoning
• bacterial meningitis
• poor blood flow to the brain
• being shaken like a baby (shaken baby syndrome)
• an injury from an accident (such as a car accident)

In rare cases, CP occurs after a problem during birth.

Premature babies (children born early) have a higher risk of CP than full-term children. So are other low-birth-weight babies and those in multiple births, such as twins and triplets.

How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?

Babies who are born prematurely or who have health problems that put them at risk for cerebral palsy are monitored for signs of the condition. Doctors look for:

• developmental delayssuch as not reaching for toys at 4 months or sitting up at 7 months
• problems with motor skills, such as being unable to crawl, walk or move arms and legs in the usual way
• uncoordinated movements
• muscle tone that is too tight or too loose
• infantile reflexes (such as the palm grip or “hands into fists” reflex) that persist beyond the age when they are usually gone

What problems can CP cause?

A number of physical problems can occur with CP. Some children have a lot of difficulty with movement, while others do not. It depends on how much the brain was damaged. The damage may be partial, for example affecting only the part of the brain that controls walking. Or it can affect a larger area, like the parts that control walking, talking and understanding speech.

Brain damage that causes CP can also affect other brain functions and lead to problems such as:

How is cerebral palsy treated?

There is no cure for cerebral palsy. But resources and therapies can help children grow and develop to their greatest potential.

Once CP is diagnosed, a child can begin therapy for movement and other areas that need help, such as learning, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development. Many will need aids such as braces or wheelchairs.

Medicines help children who have a lot of muscle pain and stiffness. They can take medicine by mouth, G tubeor get it through a pump (the baclofen pump) placed under the skin.

Surgery can help fix dislocated hips and scoliosis (curved spine) which are common in children with CP. Leg braces help walking.

Children can improve their bone health by to have a diet there is a high content of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. These nutrients help keep bones strong. Doctors, dietitians and speech therapists can work with families to make sure children are getting enough of the right nutrients and suggest changes to their diets or mealtime routines if needed.

What else should I know?

Children with CP often need to see many different medical specialists for care. This team may include physicians and surgeons, other providers such as physical assistants, nurses, therapists, psychologists, educators, and social workers.

Although many medical specialists are needed, it is still important to have a primary care provider or a medical home. This provider will take care of your child’s routine health care and help you coordinate care with other doctors.

Where can relatives get help?

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy can feel overwhelming at times. Children with CP need a lot of attention at home and also have to go to many doctor’s appointments and treatments. Don’t be afraid to say yes when someone asks, “Can I help?” Your family and friends really want to be there for you.

To feel less alone and connect with others facing the same challenges, find a local or online support group. You can also get information and support from CP organisations, such as:

Staying strong is not only good for you, but also for your child and your entire family.

Looking ahead

Life with cerebral palsy is different for every child. To help your child do as well as possible, work closely with your care team to develop a treatment plan. As your child grows and their needs change, adjust the plan as needed.

These guides can help as you plan for each stage of childhood and early adulthood: