Everything To Know about Cerebral Palsy...

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Medically reviewed by Brigid Dwyer, MDMedically reviewed by Brigid Dwyer, MDCerebral palsy is a permanent, non-progressive condition that affects posture, movement, balance, and, in some cases, cognitive function. The condition typically occurs due to an injury to the brain or abnormal brain development before birth. Approximately 8% of cases occur due to brain injuries experienced after birth. Cerebral palsy is rare and affects about three out of every 1,000 births. Symptoms of this condition can vary depending on the type of cerebral palsy you have. However, most people experience changes in their balance and motor skills, hip pain, difficulty with coordination, and seizures. While there isn't currently a cure for this condition, treatments like medications and therapies can help improve cerebral palsy symptoms.Types of Cerebral PalsyCerebral palsy can affect a person in several different ways. There are four main types of cerebral palsy, each of which describes the major symptoms a person with the condition might experience. Understanding the type you have can also help healthcare providers understand what treatment options are best for you. These types include:Spastic cerebral palsy: This type is the most common, affecting approximately 80% of cerebral palsy cases. People with spastic cerebral palsy experience stiff muscles in one or more limbs.Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Uncontrollable movements, also called dyskinesia, are the hallmark symptom of this type. People with dyskinetic cerebral palsy may experience slow, uncontrollable movements of the hands, feet, or limbs. It can also be difficult to walk or speak.Ataxic cerebral palsy: Ataxia causes poor coordination, so people with ataxic cerebral palsy may have difficulty with quick movements or movements that require fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt.Mixed cerebral palsy: If you receive a diagnosis of mixed cerebral palsy, it's likely because you're experiencing symptoms of multiple types of cerebral palsy at the same time.Cerebral Palsy SymptomsMost people with cerebral palsy receive a diagnosis in infancy or early childhood. Therefore, symptoms of cerebral palsy typically become more apparent when children with the condition do not meet, or have challenges in meeting, motor milestones in their first few years of life. The degree of symptom severity typically peaks by around age five.Common symptoms of cerebral palsy include:Poor balance and coordinationDifficulty with dexterity in the hands Pain and discomfort, especially in the hips Difficulty or inability to walk Muscle weakness in the arms and legs Cognitive dysfunction The severity of cerebral palsy symptoms varies from person to person. Some may experience little to no functional challenges, while others may require mobility aids or assistive devices.Healthcare providers use a tool called the Gross Motor Function Classification System to evaluate the severity of cerebral palsy based on motor function symptoms such as mobility, posture, and balance. This can help you and your provider understand the most suitable treatments for your needs.What Causes Cerebral Palsy?Cerebral palsy typically occurs due to brain injury or abnormal development in the brain in the period before birth or right after birth.The brain serves many functions, including helping coordinate muscle movement. In people with cerebral palsy, areas of the brain that control muscle movement do not work properly, causing symptoms such as muscle stiffness, uncontrollable muscle movements, and poor coordination. Although researchers know that brain injury or abnormal development is a critical step in developing cerebral palsy, only 20% of individuals with cerebral palsy are diagnosed with an exact cause of their injury or abnormal development. Other underlying causes include:Damage to the area of the brain that sends movement signals throughout your bodyBleeding in the brain from strokes, sickle cell disease, or blood clotting disorders Lack of oxygen to the brain, such as problems with the umbilical cord before or during birthCertain brain infections, such as encephalitis or meningitisA pregnant parent using certain antibiotics before giving birthIntrauterine growth restriction, such as when the baby is unable to receive proper oxygen and nutrients from the parent during pregnancyGenetic differences that cause abnormal brain developmentRisk FactorsCertain risk factors can raise the risk of the condition developing in your baby. Typically, these risk factors cause brain injury or promote the abnormal development of the brain before birth or shortly afterward. These risk factors include:Multiple births (having twins or triplets)Infections during pregnancy that also infect the womb and placentaPremature birth or low birth weightHigh blood pressure (preeclampsia), fevers, or seizures during pregnancy Blood clotting disorders Traumatic or complicated birthsDiagnosisIf you notice motor concerns in your baby or think they may be at risk of cerebral palsy, seeing their pediatrician is important. Most babies receive a diagnosis within the first two years of life. To do so, a provider may use these diagnostic tools:Motor skills tests: Assess motor development, muscle tone, posture, and coordinationLaboratory tests: Help rule out other conditions that may mimic cerebral palsyImaging tests: Use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cranial (head) ultrasound to create images of the brain and look for abnormalities or damage associated with cerebral palsyCerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, but it is not progressive. That means your symptoms may change over time but will not worsen. That said, getting a diagnosis early can help your provider plan long-term treatment options. Treatment OptionsThere is no cure for cerebral palsy, but medications, therapies, and surgery can help manage the symptoms.Prescription MedicationsMedications can often help relax spastic (stiff) muscles, and healthcare providers prescribe Botox (botulinum toxin) as the primary muscle relaxant to treat these symptoms. You can inject Botox into spastic muscles to improve mobility. Medications like Valium (diazepam) and Lioresal (baclofen) can also help relax your muscles.These medications can come with some side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. In severe cases, however, a healthcare provider can also surgically insert a pump into your body to deliver medication directly to your spinal cord.TherapiesThere are multiple therapies available to help you improve your mobility and function. Healthcare providers recommend these therapies for cerebral palsy:Physical therapy (PT): Helps stretch and strengthen muscle groups to improve mobility, coordination, and balanceOccupational therapy (OT): Teaches you strategies to help make everyday tasks and activities like going to work or school easierSpeech and language therapy (SLP): Improves the muscles that you need to make talking or swallowing food less difficultThese therapists might also suggest assistive devices (like writing aids or walkers) that can make tasks and activities easier.Surgical InterventionsSome people with cerebral palsy may benefit from surgical interventions to help manage their symptoms.The primary surgical option available is a dorsal rhizotomy. This procedure severs some overactive nerves that may be causing muscle stiffness. By controlling the movement of these muscles, this surgery can help people with cerebral palsy experience improved motor control.PreventionAs most cases of cerebral palsy occur before, during, and shortly after birth, there are some steps pregnant people can take to reduce the risk of their child developing cerebral palsy.However, while researchers understand a few risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing cerebral palsy, many underlying causes of the condition are unknown, so the condition may not always be completely preventable. Here's what you can do to lower the risk:Stay up-to-date on vaccinations Treat infections or underlying health conditions promptly during pregnancyAdvocate for and receive proper prenatal care Related ConditionsAlthough cerebral palsy primarily affects movement and balance, it can also increase your risk of other health conditions. For example: People living with cerebral palsy may have a higher risk of developing mental health conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Some children also experience frequent seizures and learning disabilities that can affect cognitive function. Research estimates that 90% of people with cerebral palsy have reduced bone density, which significantly raises the risk of osteoporosis (bone thinning and weakening).Living With Cerebral PalsyThe life expectancy of cerebral palsy varies depending on the severity of your condition and the access to treatment and resources you have.People with severe cerebral palsy may have a higher risk of experiencing a reduced life expectancy. However, one study found that people with mild cerebral palsy symptoms had similar life expectancy to the general population. More advanced treatments, therapies, and devices are being made, so living well with this condition is possible and can improve in the coming years.Frequently Asked Questions

Are you born with cerebral palsy or can you get it later in life?

Most cases of cerebral palsy are congenital, meaning that you are born with the condition. However, in some cases, you can get cerebral palsy shortly after or a few years after birth.

Does cerebral palsy get worse with age?

Cerebral palsy is not progressive, meaning that it does not get worse over time.

What organs does cerebral palsy affect?

Cerebral palsy primarily affects the muscles, including those required for breathing and swallowing. Some people may also notice stiff muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) system, which can sometimes make digestion more difficult.

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