Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that can involve brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking.

There are several different types of cerebral palsy, including spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, hypotonic and mixed.

Cerebral palsy is caused by injuries or abnormalities of the brain. Most of these problems occur as the baby grows in the womb, but they can happen at any time during the first 2 years of life, while the baby's brain is still developing.

In some people with cerebral palsy, parts of the brain are injured due to low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) in the area. It is not known why this occurs.

Premature infants have a slightly higher risk of developing cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy may also occur during early infancy as a result of several conditions, including:

In some cases the cause of cerebral palsy is never determined.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy can be very different between people with this group of disorders. 

Symptoms may:

Symptoms are usually seen before a child is 2 years old, and sometimes begin as early as 3 months. Parents may notice that their child is delayed in reaching, and in developmental stages such as sitting, rolling, crawling, or walking.

There are several different types of cerebral palsy. Some people have a mixture of symptoms.

Symptoms of spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type, include:

The following symptoms may occur in other types of cerebral palsy:

Other brain and nervous system symptoms:

Other symptoms:

A full neurological exam is critical. In older people, testing cognitive function is also important.

The following other tests may be performed:

There is no cure for cerebral palsy. The goal of treatment is to help the person be as independent as possible.

Treatment requires a team approach, including:

Treatment is based on the person's symptoms and the need to prevent complications.

Self and home care include:

The following may help with communication and learning:

Medications may include:

Surgery may be needed in some cases to:

Stress and burnout among parents and other caregivers of cerebral palsy patients is common, and should be monitored.

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. Long-term care may be required. The disorder does not affect expected length of life. The amount of disability varies.

Many adults are able to live in the community, either independently or with different levels of help. In severe cases, the person may need to be placed in an institution.

Bone thinning or osteoporosis

Bowel obstruction

Hip dislocation and arthritis in the hip joint

Injuries from falls

Joint contractures

Pneumonia caused by choking

Poor nutrition

Reduced communication skills (sometimes)

Reduced intellect (sometimes)

Scoliosis

Seizures (in about half of patients)

Social stigma

Call your health care provider if symptoms of cerebral palsy develop, especially if you know that an injury occurred during birth or early infancy.

Getting the proper prenatal care may reduce the risk of some rare causes of cerebral palsy. However, dramatic improvements in care over the last 15 years have not reduced the rate of cerebral palsy. In most cases, the injury causing the disorder may not be preventable.

Pregnant mothers with certain medical conditions may need to be followed in a high-risk prenatal clinic.

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