Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common movement disorders that begins in childhood. Typically caused by damage or abnormal development of the brain during early life, it affects how a person controls their muscles and posture. While it is a lifelong condition, the symptoms do not get worse over time. With the right support, many people with cerebral palsy can go on to live healthy, long lives.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, coordination, and posture. It appears in infancy or early childhood as a result of damage or trauma to the brain during its development. It causes challenges with muscle control, body movement, and mobility and can also impact gait and posture.
It usually appears in the first few years of a child's life.
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Severity of cerebral palsy can vary widely. Some people may need lifelong care, while others can walk independently and live mostly normal lives.
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Because cerebral palsy is not a disease, it cannot be spread, is not infectious, and is rarely inherited, although some genetic factors may contribute to a slightly higher risk.
Unfortunately, cerebral palsy has no cure, and depending on how severe it is, it can become a long-term financial burden. According to the CDC, the average lifetime cost to care for a child with cerebral palsy is over $1.6 million.
Cerebral palsy is many times caused by doctor negligence and malpractice. If you suspect your child's cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, you may be entitled to financial compensation. We partner with nationwide cerebral palsy lawyers who have secured millions of dollars for families affected by cerebral palsy and other birth injuries.
Contact us today to find out if your child is eligible for compensation.
Cerebral palsy malpractice cases often have settlements over $1 million. If your child's cerebral palsy was caused by a preventable birth injury, you may qualify for legal compensation. Check if you're eligible by getting a free case review now.
100% free & confidential. Zero up-front costs.
Cerebral Palsy Quick Facts: 2025 Update
- Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood motor disability, affecting about 1 in 345 U.S. children.
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CP is a group of neurological disorders, not a single condition, and affects movement, coordination, posture, and balance.
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Most cases of CP are congenital, meaning the brain damage occurs before or during birth—but it can also happen shortly after.
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CP is not progressive, so the brain injury does not worsen over time—though symptoms can change as a child grows.
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Spastic CP is the most common form, affecting roughly 75–80% of individuals. It causes stiff or tight muscles and difficulty with movement.
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More than half of children with CP can walk independently, though mobility varies widely.
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Speech and language disorders affect over 75% of children with CP, often requiring therapy or assistive devices.
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Epilepsy is a common co-occurring condition, affecting up to 50% of people with CP.
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Intellectual disability may occur in up to half of children with CP, though severity ranges from mild to significant.
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Boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
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CP is more prevalent among Black children compared to children of other races in the U.S.
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Premature birth and low birth weight are major risk factors, increasing the likelihood of developing CP.
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Many individuals with CP face lifelong health challenges, including chronic pain, osteoporosis, and accelerated aging.
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Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes in mobility, communication, and quality of life.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy
Early signs of CP can appear within the first few months of a child's life, but sometimes they aren’t obvious until they've reached 1 year of age or older.
Developmental delays in reaching motor milestones like crawling, rolling over, sitting up, and walking are some of the earliest and most common signs of cerebral palsy (CP). Some children might even have difficulty speaking or eating and are at risk of falling when trying to walk.
Some early signs of cerebral palsy:
During Infancy
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Delays in reaching milestones (sitting, crawling, walking)
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Muscle stiffness or floppiness in limbs
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Poor coordination or lack of balance
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Trouble feeding or sucking
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Favoring one side of the body
As the Child Grows
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Difficulty walking or using limbs
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Speech and swallowing difficulties
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Seizures (in more severe cases)
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Learning disabilities or cognitive impairments (not in all)
Watching out for developmental milestones can help parents and caregivers notice signs of cerebral palsy that could otherwise be missed.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy can appear slightly different in every child. However, most common cerebral palsy symptoms usually involve movement, muscle tone, coordination, and development issues.
Since CP is such a complex condition, certain signs and symptoms may change or become more noticeable as a child grows.
Physical Signs
Children with CP may show noticeable issues with movement and posture, such as:
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Muscle stiffness or floppiness, often affecting different parts of the body unevenly
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Delayed milestones such as sitting up, crawling, or walking
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Poor coordination and balance (clumsiness, stumbling around when walking)
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Persistent infant reflexes that typically fade with age (sudden jerky movements)
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Difficulty with swallowing, sucking, or feeding
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Abnormal postures or involuntary movements (twisting, fidgeting, tremors)
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Preference for using one side of the body — for example, always reaching with the same hand
- Uncontrollable bowel movements
Neurological and Developmental Indicators
Cerebral palsy can involve co-morbidities that impact sensory and cognitive development, such as:
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Learning delays or intellectual disabilities (in some cases)
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Speech impediments or difficulty speaking
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Seizures (appear in about 30–50% of CP cases)
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Vision or hearing problems
- Difficulty regulating their emotions or behavior
If you notice any of these symptoms, check with your doctor as soon as possible to make sure your child gets the treatment they need.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the developing brain either before, during, or shortly after birth. Common causes at different stages may include:
Before Birth (Prenatal)
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Abnormal brain development
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Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, toxoplasmosis)
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Lack of oxygen or nutrients to the fetus
During Birth (Perinatal)
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Complicated or prolonged labor
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Premature birth (especially before 32 weeks)
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Low birth weight
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Lack of oxygen (birth asphyxia)
After Birth (Postnatal)
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Brain infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis)
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Head injuries or falls
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Strokes
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Caused by Medical Malpractice?
Unfortunately, yes. Many cases of cerebral palsy are caused by a doctor's negligence during pregnancy or delivery. In cases like these where it could have been easily prevented, families may be entitled to financial compensation by filing lawsuits against negligent doctors and hospitals for causing preventable brain damage.
Examples of medical negligence that can lead to cerebral palsy:
- Failing to recognize or properly treat maternal or fetal infections
- Delayed response to abnormal heart rate changes of the fetus
- Improper handling of a prolapsed umbilical cord, which can potentially cut off oxygen to the baby
- Not performing a C-section when medically necessary
- Incorrect use of vacuum extractors and forceps during delivery
Oftentimes, doctors might downplay or even attempt to deny their role in improper care.
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, don't wait to file a lawsuit, as there are strict deadlines as to how long you have to file a claim.
Our legal partners at Cerebral Palsy Hub may be able to help your family secure the financial compensation you need for your child.
Protect your child's future by getting them the legal help they deserve today.
Many cases of cerebral palsy are caused by preventable birth injuries. If you think your child's CP was due to medical negligence, contact us now and get a free case review at zero cost.
Case reviews are 100% free.
Main Types of Cerebral Palsy
There are four main types of cerebral palsy, each having its own set of challenges. Each type shows how movement is affected and where symptoms appear in the body. While the medical names might sound technical, they simply describe different areas of the brain that are affected and show everyday differences in how children with CP move, speak, and interact with their environment. Understanding which type your child has can help with finding the right treatment, therapy, and approach to everyday life.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, appearing in about 77% of cases, and is characterized by stiff, permanent contraction, or tightness of the muscles. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty with walking (scissoring gait or walking on toes)
- Muscles look stiff and tight from increased muscle tone
- Awkward, jerky movements and exaggerated reflexes
- Delayed motor skills development due to rigid movement patterns
- Abnormal posture from muscle tone imbalances
Dyskinetic (Athetoid) Cerebral Palsy
Dyskinetic (athetoid) cerebral palsy is the second most common type, with about 10-15% of cases. This type causes uncontrollable movements and a fluctuation in muscle tone. Some common signs are:
- Dystonia: Twisting, repetitive movements that can cause pain
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Facial grimacing or involuntary tongue movements affecting speech ability
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Random involuntary and uncontrolled movements
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Sudden jerking motions
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Muscle tone that fluctuates between floppy and tight
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy causes poor coordination and balance. It's the rarest form of CP, appearing in only about 3 to 4% of cases. Symptoms include:
- Trouble with depth perception and vision
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Difficulty with balance and coordination
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Movements can appear shaky or clumsy.
- Difficulty with precise movements such as writing and grabbing or holding objects
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A wide, unsteady gait while walking
Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Hypotonic cerebral palsy is a rare form of CP that causes extremely low muscle tone and a “floppy” appearance in the body. It’s estimated to occur in roughly 2–3% of all cerebral palsy cases. Symptoms include:
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Loose or floppy limbs, especially when picked up
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Difficulty holding up the head or sitting upright
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Delayed motor milestones like crawling or walking
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Poor coordination and posture from low muscle strength
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Problems with speech and feeding due to weak facial muscles
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Mixed cerebral palsy is when a child shows symptoms from more than one type of (CP).
- May have some muscles that are either too relaxed or too tight in different areas of the body
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Most commonly a mix of spastic and dyskinetic (CP)
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Unusual posture and movement patterns that don’t fit into a single category
Doctors will test a child's motor skills function, development progress, and brain function to diagnose which type of cerebral palsy they have.
The severity of cerebral palsy ranges from mild to moderate to severe. It is absolutely crucial to recognize and diagnose cerebral palsy as early as possible to have the best chance at improving your child's future life.
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Most cerebral palsy cases are diagnosed within the first two years after birth. In cases where the symptoms are mild, it can be more challenging to confirm the diagnosis until the child is older.
There is no single test that can diagnose CP. Doctors will typically run a series of tests to track a child’s growth and motor development over time while ruling out other conditions.
What Happens During the Diagnostic Process?
Doctors take a step-by-step approach to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible. This process includes:
- Reviewing medical history, including pregnancy, labor, and delivery records
- Observing movement patterns, muscle tone, posture, and reflexes during physical exams
- Monitoring milestones over multiple visits to track motor skill development
- Evaluating sensory and cognitive functions, as CP can be associated with vision, hearing, and learning differences
Tests Used to Confirm Cerebral Palsy
To support a clinical diagnosis and identify possible causes or the extent of brain damage, doctors may initiate several specialized tests, including:
Medical tests to help diagnose CP:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Cranial ultrasound
- CT scan (Computed Tomography)
- EEG (Electroencephalogram)
- Blood tests and metabolic screening
Once cerebral palsy is officially diagnosed, your healthcare provider will usually make a treatment plan tailored to your child's needs.
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Prevented?
While there is no way to completely prevent your child from getting cerebral palsy, there are ways you can minimize the risks by taking proper care and precautions:
Preventive Measures You Can Take:
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Making sure to get routine checkups to monitor fetal development
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Get vaccinated to prevent infections like rubella before or during pregnancy.
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Avoid smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, and exposure to environmental toxins (like lead or pesticides).
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Ensure conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension, or epilepsy are managed
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Managing and treating infections on time
Quick Fact: Cerebral palsy usually isn't diagnosed at birth. Instead, it's often identified later when a child misses typical development milestones. You only have a limited amount of time to file for a birth injury lawsuit. Don't miss your state's deadline to file a legal claim.
Treatment and Management
As of now, cerebral palsy has no cure, but different therapies and treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatment is usually tailored to each person's specific type of CP, age, and individual goals. It often involves a team of medical professionals, therapists, and rehabilitation specialists.
Therapies
Therapies are the backbone of CP treatment and generally begin in infancy or early childhood. These therapies can help improve physical function, communication, daily living skills, and social participation.
Types of cerebral palsy therapies that can help:
- Physical therapy: Helps improve strength, balance, posture, coordination, and range of motion. It may include stretching exercises, guided movement, and specialized equipment like balance balls or gait trainers.
- Occupational therapy: Focuses on daily living skills such as dressing, feeding, bathing, writing, and using adaptive tools to increase mobility and independence.
- Speech and language therapy: Supports communication skills and language development and may include training in the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices if verbal speech is limited.
- Recreational therapy: Encourages participation in sports, dance, and other activities to build confidence, physical health, and social skills.
- Behavioral therapy and counseling: Helps manage frustration, anxiety, and emotional challenges that sometimes come with living with a disability.
Medications
Medications can be used to manage muscle stiffness (spasticity), involuntary movements, pain, and seizures, depending on each child’s symptoms.
Common medications for CP include:
- Oral muscle relaxants, such as Baclofen or Diazepam, can help reduce muscle spasticity across large areas of the body.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may be administered to specific tight muscles to temporarily relieve stiffness and improve range of motion.
- Anticholinergic drugs can help reduce drooling in some children.
- Anticonvulsant medications, such as Valproate or Levetiracetam, are used to manage seizures if they occur alongside CP.
- Pain relief medications may be prescribed to address discomfort from muscle contractures or orthopedic issues.
Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment
Many people with CP benefit from equipment that supports mobility, daily living, and communication.
Types of assistive devices that can help:
- Mobility aids, including walkers, canes, wheelchairs (manual or powered), and gait trainers.
- Orthotic devices such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), braces, and splints to improve stability and alignment.
- Communication devices, like speech-generating devices or tablets with specialized apps, to support language expression.
- Feeding aids, adaptive utensils, and modified seating systems to make eating and drinking easier.
- Environmental and smart control units or adapted switches to help control lights, doors, or other home features for greater independence.
Surgeries
Surgery may be considered in more severe cases when other treatments aren’t enough to relieve severe spasticity or correct structural problems that interfere with movement or cause pain.
Types of surgical options:
- Orthopedic surgery: Procedures to lengthen tight muscles or tendons, correct bone deformities, stabilize joints, or address hip dislocation and scoliosis.
- Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR): A neurosurgical procedure that involves cutting specific nerve fibers in the spinal cord to reduce spasticity in the legs.
- Implantation of a Baclofen pump: Delivers a controlled dose of muscle relaxant directly into the spinal fluid, which can help with widespread spasticity and reduce side effects compared to oral medication.
Nearly 70% of cerebral palsy cases are linked to birth injuries. Find out if a birth injury caused your child's CP by speaking with a cerebral palsy lawyer and getting a free case review now.
No up-front costs.
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
The life expectancy in children with cerebral palsy will vary greatly depending on whether their condition only mildly affects movement or severely impairs motor control, which may cause further health complications.
The majority of children with cerebral palsy will live well into adulthood, and many go on to attend school, work, and enjoy active, fulfilling lives. Research shows about 75–90% of children with CP survive into adulthood, especially those with milder forms who can walk and move independently.
How Long Will a Child with Cerebral Palsy Live?
While many children with cerebral palsy will live into adulthood, the life expectancy of those with more severe CP combined with serious health challenges, like frequent infections or uncontrolled seizures, may have a shorter life expectancy. However, advances in medicine and therapy have improved outlooks in recent decades. Every child’s journey is unique, and early support can make a meaningful difference.
Does Cerebral Palsy Get Worse With Age?
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Cerebral palsy does not get worse with age, though muscle or joint issues may appear and need proactive care.
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Regular therapy, medical monitoring, and adaptive equipment and devices help manage challenges over the long term.
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Many children with CP grow up to live independently or with minimal support, have relationships, and build meaningful careers.
If you have questions about your child’s specific prognosis, talking with your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist can help you understand what to expect and how to plan ahead for the future.
Financial Assistance and Legal Help
Living with cerebral palsy comes with unique challenges and can oftentimes be a financial burden on families. Costs of therapy, medication, and home modifications can add up quickly over time, so getting the right financial support is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life.
Here are some ways you can get financial support for your child:
Financial Support Options
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Private insurance coverage for therapy, mobility devices, and home care
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Grants or nonprofit funding for specialized equipment or home modifications
- Government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Social Security Income (SSI), and state-specific disability services
Cerebral Palsy Hub can help your family find resources needed for your child. Get connected to financial assistance and legal help.
Legal Options and Considerations
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Educational rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
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Pursuing compensation if your child's cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice or birth injury, you may want to consider legal action to secure funds for lifelong care. Settlements can help pay for care costs. Get legal help now.
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Guardianship and planning for children transitioning to adulthood
Research and Advancements
Ongoing research is expanding our understanding of CP and improving outcomes through:
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Stem cell research to explore nerve and muscle regeneration
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Advanced neuroimaging to diagnose earlier and more accurately
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Improved assistive technologies, including eye-gaze communication and powered mobility devices
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New medications targeting spasticity and neuroplasticity
Participating in clinical trials or joining research registries can help families advance and contribute to future medical breakthroughs.
Quick Fact: Cerebral palsy is not curable; however, the condition also does not get worse over time. You can improve your child's quality of life with the right treatment and support.
Can You Sue for Cerebral Palsy?
Yes, parents who believe their child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can file a medical malpractice claim. Legal settlements can help families cover lifelong costs such as therapy, medical care, assistive devices, and home modifications, as well as compensate for lost wages that can occur from caring for their child.
Before pursuing a claim, families need to consider factors like their state's statute of limitations (deadlines to file), the complexity of proving medical negligence, and the emotional and financial demands of legal proceedings.
Cerebral Palsy Hub can connect you with an experienced birth injury attorney who will help walk you through the process step by step and fight for your child's future.
It’s estimated that around 10–15% of cerebral palsy cases are linked to preventable medical errors. While every case is unique, data shows that successful settlements or jury awards for birth injury medical malpractice claims often range from several hundred thousand for milder cases to upwards of several million dollars for more severe cases.
Don't wait to find out if a preventable birth injury caused your child's cerebral palsy. Get connected to trusted legal help today.
The average lifetime cost to care for a child with cerebral palsy is over $1.6 million. Find out if your child is eligible for legal compensation. Get a free case review now.
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Cerebral Palsy FAQs
Written and Medically Reviewed by:
Cerebral Palsy Hub Team
Cerebral Palsy Hub was founded to help support children and their families with cerebral palsy and to create a safe space for those affected. We strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information, and tools to help give your child the life they deserve.
Last Updated: July 24, 2025
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