Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood caused by damage or abnormal development of the brain before, during, or after birth. 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 go on to live long, healthy lives.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive neurological disorders that affects movement, muscle tone, coordination, and posture. It appears in infancy or early childhood from damage or trauma to the brain during its development. It causes difficulties with muscle control, body movement, and general mobility.
Cerebral palsy usually appears during the first few years of a child's life and is not diagnosed until they are around 12-24 months old.
The most common sign parents notice within the baby's first months is that their child misses typical developmental milestones such as crawling, rolling over, or lifting their head up.
Since the severity of cerebral palsy varies so widely, some children may need lifelong care while others have more mobility and can live mostly independently.
Cerebral Palsy Quick Facts: 2026 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. It affects movement, coordination, posture, and balance.
- Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, and affects roughly 80% of children. It causes stiff or tight muscles and difficulty with movement.
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CP is non-progressive which means it will not get worse over time. However, symptoms can change as a child grows.
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50% of children with cerebral can walk independently without the use of mobility aids.
- Most cases of CP are congenital, meaning the brain damage occurs before or during birth.
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3 out of 4 children with CP have a speech or language challenge, which may require therapy or assistive devices to communicate.
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Epilepsy is one of the most common co-occurring disorders, affecting up to 50% of children with cerebral palsy.
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Cognitive and intellectual disabilities occur in about half of children with cerebral palsy but the severity of symptoms range from mild to severe.
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Boys are 30% more likely than girls to be diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
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CP is more common 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 that increase the chances of developing CP.
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Many people with CP face lifelong health challenges, including chronic pain, osteoporosis, and accelerated aging.
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Early diagnosis and treatment during childhood significantly improves prognosis for mobility, communication, and quality of life vs those who get diagnosed later in life.
What Are the 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. Some children might even have difficulty speaking or eating and are at risk of falling when trying to walk.
Early signs of cerebral palsy include:
Signs in Babies Under 6 Months
- Very stiff or very floppy body when held
- Head that always lags when you pull the baby up from lying on their back
- Back and neck arching away from your body when you cradle them
- Legs that become stiff and cross or "scissor" when picked up
- Difficulty sucking, swallowing, or staying latched during feeds
Signs in Babies Under 6-12 Months
- Not rolling over in either direction
- Not able to bring hands together or to the mouth
- Reaching with one hand while the other is in a fist or tight position
- Difficulty sitting upright without support or slumping to one side
- Noticeable difference in how one side of the body moves compared to the other
Signs in Toddlers and Young Children
- Delayed milestones: crawling, pulling to stand, or walking
- Walking on toes, a stiff or zig-zagging gait, or falling frequently
- Trouble using utensils, holding toys, or manipulating small objects
- Persistent infant reflexes (sudden jerky movements that don't go away with age)
- Problems with speech, swallowing, or drooling after toddler age
It's important for parents to recognize the signs of cerebral palsy early on so that your child can start treatment and therapy early to improve their long-term outcome.
Note: If you notice any of these signs or feel that your child's development is stalling, trust your instincts. Ask your child's pediatrician for a thorough developmental check and, if needed, a referral to a neurologist or early intervention specialist.
What Are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy shows up differently in every child. However, the most common symptoms involve issues with movement, muscle tone, coordination, and development.
Since CP is such a complex condition, certain signs and symptoms may change or become more noticeable as a child grows.
Common symptoms of CP include:
Physical Symptoms
- Muscle stiffness or floppiness that affects 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 (sudden jerky movements) that typically go away with age
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Difficulties with swallowing, sucking, or feeding
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Unusual postures or involuntary movements (twisting, fidgeting, tremors)
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Preference for using one side of the body such as always reaching with the same hand
- Uncontrollable bowel movements or incontinence (lack of bladder control)
Neurological and Developmental Symptoms
Cerebral palsy can also affect sensory and cognitive development, such as:
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Learning delays or intellectual disabilities
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Speech impediments or difficulty speaking
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Epilepsy (seizures show up in about 40% of 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 abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects movement and posture. Around 80-90% of injuries to the brain that cause cerebral palsy are congenital, meaning they happen before or during birth.
Only about 10-20% of cases occur in the first years of life, known as acquired cerebral palsy. Many children with CP never have a single clear cause identified, as there can be several risk factors, including some genetic factors that play a role.
Common causes of cerebral palsy at different stages include:
Before Birth (Prenatal Causes)
- Abnormal brain development during pregnancy
- Infections in the mother (such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, or Zika)
- Issues with the placenta or blood supply that reduce oxygen or nutrients to the baby
- Stroke or bleeding in the baby's brain before birth
- Certain genetic or metabolic conditions affecting brain development
During Birth (Perinatal Causes)
- Prolonged or difficult labor where the baby is stuck in the birth canal
- Premature birth, (especially before 32 weeks), or very low birth weight
- Birth asphyxia (baby not getting enough oxygen around the time of birth)
- Umbilical cord prolapse or placental abruption
After Birth (Postnatal Causes)
- Kernicterus (severe jaundice) that isn't treated in time
- Brain infections like meningitis or encephalitis
- Serious head trauma, such as from falls or accidents
- Stroke, blood clots, or bleeding in the brain
- Periventricular leukomalacia or other complications in very premature infants
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Caused by Medical Malpractice?
Yes, in some cases. While cerebral palsy is often caused by factors beyond anyone’s control, it can sometimes be linked to medical mistakes made during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
If a you suspect medical negligence from a doctor or hospital staff may have contributed to your child's cerebral palsy, your family may have options to pursue legal action.
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, such as in the event of shoulder dystocia
- Incorrect use of vacuum extractors and forceps during delivery
Sometimes, doctors might downplay or even attempt to deny their role in improper care. Speaking with a cerebral palsy lawyer can help you understand exactly what occurred and if your family is eligible for legal compensation.
Note: Only a minority (around 10-20%) of cerebral palsy cases are linked to mismanaged or negligent events during labor or delivery. However, it's important to reach out for legal help as soon as you suspect something may have went wrong.
What Are the 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 is 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). Common patterns include:
- 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.
How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
Most children with cerebral palsy are diagnosed within the first 1-2 years of life. In cases where the symptoms are mild, it can be more challenging to confirm the diagnosis until the child is older and delays in movement and missed milestones become clearer.
There is no single test that can diagnose cerebral palsy. Doctors will perform 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 for any complications.
- Observing movement patterns, muscle tone, posture, and reflexes during physical exams.
- Monitoring milestones over multiple visits to track motor skill development and growth.
- Screening for co-occurring issues, such as vision or hearing problems, seizures, or feeding difficulties.
Tests Used to Confirm Cerebral Palsy
Imaging and lab tests help identify the type and timing of brain injury in more detail. This also makes it easier for doctors to rule out other conditions.
Your child's doctor may order medical tests, such as:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The most common imaging test using magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain.
- Cranial ultrasound: Often used in premature infants while they are still in the hospital or NICU, as they are easy and quick to perform.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography): Uses sound waves to create real-time images of brain tissue. Often used if MRI is not available.
- EEG (Electroencephalogram): Records electrical activity in the brain to scan for seizure disorders like epilepsy.
- Blood tests and metabolic screening: Uses blood or urine samples to detect energy disorders or amino-acid imbalances.
Once cerebral palsy is officially diagnosed, your healthcare provider will usually make a treatment plan tailored to your child's needs. This plan may involve physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Prevented?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent your child from getting cerebral palsy, even when parents and doctors do everything "right". However, there are some ways you can minimize the risks by taking proper care and precautions:
Steps That May Help Lower Risk:
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Making sure to get routine prenatal care and checkups to monitor your health and your baby's growth
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Receiving recommended vaccines to prevent certain infections (such as rubella) before or during pregnancy.
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Avoiding smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, and exposure to environmental toxins (like lead or pesticides).
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Making sure chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, hypertension, or epilepsy are managed.
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Managing and treating infections (such as jaundice) quickly.
Even with all these measures, cerebral palsy can still occur. Nothing you did or didn't do as a parent caused your child to have CP. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the most important thing now is early intervention and treatment.
Starting therapies as soon as possible gives them the best possible long-term outcome. Learn how cerebral palsy is treated and managed below.
Quick Fact: Cerebral palsy usually isn't diagnosed at birth. Instead, it's often identified later when a child misses typical development milestones.
How Is Cerebral Palsy Treated?
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 cerebral palsy 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.
Mobility Aids and Assistive Devices
Many people with cerebral palsy 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.
- Assistive devices for verbal communication, cochlear implants for hearing, and other technology to help with daily life and social participation.
- 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.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of 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 certain 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.
How Can My Family Get Financial Assistance?
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
Other 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.
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Guardianship and planning for children transitioning to adulthood
Research and Advancements for Cerebral Palsy
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 suspect 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 should consult an experienced cerebral palsy lawyer and understand factors like their state's statutes of limitations (deadlines to file), the complexity of proving medical negligence, and the emotional and financial demands of legal proceedings.
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: January 7, 2026
