What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of lifelong conditions that primarily affect movement, posture and coordination. It can also cause cognitive and learning disabilities. It generally occurs because the developing brain has been damaged or has developed differently before, during or shortly after birth.

Cerebral palsy affects everybody differently. For some people, its effects are relatively mild. Others may have significant difficulties with movement and require substantial support with everyday activities.

How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect the Body?

Movement relies on communication between the brain, nerves and muscles.

When the areas of the brain responsible for movement are affected, controlling muscles and coordinating movements can become more difficult.

A person with cerebral palsy may experience:

• muscle stiffness
• muscle weakness
• involuntary movements
• difficulties with balance
• problems with coordination
• difficulties walking or moving
• differences in posture.

The areas of the body affected vary between individuals.

Is Cerebral Palsy a Progressive Condition?

The original problem affecting the brain is not progressive, meaning the underlying brain injury does not continually worsen.

However, the effects cerebral palsy has on the body can change.

Growth, ageing, muscle stiffness, pain, fatigue and changes to bones and joints can all influence mobility and everyday life. This is why appropriate healthcare and support remain important throughout adulthood as well as childhood.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are several recognised types of cerebral palsy.

Spastic cerebral palsy involves increased muscle tone and stiffness.

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy can cause involuntary movements and changes in muscle tone.

Ataxic cerebral palsy primarily affects balance and coordination.

Mixed cerebral palsy describes someone who has features of more than one type.

Cerebral palsy may also be described according to the areas of the body affected.

Read our Types of Cerebral Palsy page for more information.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy occurs when the developing brain is damaged or does not develop as expected.

This can happen during pregnancy, around the time of birth or shortly afterwards. Potential causes include problems affecting brain development, infection, stroke and reduced oxygen or blood supply to the brain. Premature birth is also associated with an increased risk.

In many cases, however, one exact cause cannot be identified.

What Are the Symptoms?

Possible symptoms include delayed developmental milestones, unusually stiff or floppy muscles, muscle weakness, involuntary movements and difficulties with balance or coordination.

Some people also experience difficulties with communication, swallowing, vision or hearing, while some have epilepsy or learning disabilities.

The presence of these difficulties does not automatically mean somebody has cerebral palsy.

Can Cerebral Palsy Be Treated?

There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy, but many treatments can help people manage its effects and maximise their independence.

These may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, medication, assistive technology and, for some people, surgery.

Treatment should be tailored to the individual.

Living with Cerebral Palsy

People with cerebral palsy can go to school, work, form relationships, raise families, enjoy hobbies and participate in their communities.

The amount of assistance required varies enormously.

Understanding your individual needs and having access to appropriate healthcare, equipment and practical support can make everyday life easier.