What is CP?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect the brain and nervous system. It causes problems with movement, posture, and balance.

• Most children are born with CP (congenital), though symptoms may not appear until before age 2.

• The severity can range from mild to severe.

• Once symptoms develop, they usually do not get worse over time.
  
  

Causes

CP occurs due to abnormal development or injury to parts of the brain that control movement. Possible causes include:

• Reduced blood flow or oxygen to the brain

• Brain infections (e.g., meningitis)

• Head or brain injury

• Severe jaundice (high bilirubin levels)

• Abnormal brain development

• Premature birth

• Bleeding into the brai

• In some cases, the cause is unknown
  
  

Risk Factors

The risk of CP is higher if a child is:

• Born:

  • Premature

  • With low birth weight

  • As part of a multiple birth (twins, triplets, etc.)

• Born to a mother who:

  • Used infertility treatments

  • Had certain medical conditions or took certain medicines

  • Had an infection during pregnancy

  • Did not receive preventive vaccines

• Other factors:

  • Severe jaundice after birth

  • Complicated or difficult delivery
    
    

Signs and Symptoms

In babies:

• Stiffness or limpness when held

• Delay in reaching milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling, walking)

In children:

• Jerky, stiff, or involuntary movements

• Poor balance and coordination

• Abnormal posture or gait (toe-walking, crouching, foot-dragging)

• Vision or hearing problems

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking

• Seizures

• Problems with bladder or bowel control

• Learning difficulties
  
  

Types of CP

The type depends on which part of the brain is affected:

• Spastic CP – stiff, jerky movements; can affect legs, one side of the body, or the entire body (most common type)

• Extrapyramidal (dyskinetic/ataxic) CP – uncontrolled movements (tremors, twisting, dystonia), affecting the whole body including face and tongue; may also cause balance problems

• Mixed CP – a combination of the above types
  
  

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on:

• Developmental history and symptoms

• Growth and motor milestones

• Brain imaging (MRI) if needed
  
  

Treatment

There is no cure for CP, but early treatment helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Care is personalized for each child and may include:

• Physical therapy – stretches and strengthens muscles

• Occupational therapy – improves daily activities and independence

• Speech therapy – helps with communication and swallowing

• Orthotics – braces or supports for movement

• Mobility aids – walkers, wheelchairs

• Medicines – to relax spastic muscles or control seizures

  • Botulinum toxin injections for spasticity

• Surgery – to release tight muscles or correct deformities
  
  

Home Care Instructions

Activity

• Continue prescribed physical, occupational, or speech therapy at home.

• Help your child with exercises and stretching.

• Ask your provider which activities are safe.

General Care

• Give medicines exactly as prescribed.

• Learn about CP and work closely with your child’s healthcare team, teachers, and caregivers.

• Consider joining CP support groups for additional help.

When to Call a Doctor

Contact your child’s healthcare provider if:

• New symptoms develop

• Existing symptoms get worse

• Feeding or swallowing problems occur

• You need more support at home

When to Seek Emergency Help

Call local emergency services right away if your child:

• Has a seizure

• Chokes or coughs severely after eating

• Has trouble breathing

 Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Emergency treatment may be needed.

Note: This information is for education only. Always follow your child’s healthcare provider’s advice.