What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders caused by abnormal brain development or injury to the developing brain, occurring before birth, during delivery, or shortly thereafter. The term “cerebral” refers to the brain, while “palsy” signifies difficulties with muscle control. The condition primarily affects movement, impacting balance, coordination, muscle tone and posture.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Most often, cerebral palsy is caused by complications during pregnancy or birth. Cerebral palsy can happen in babies born prematurely or those born at full term, but a few risk factors can increase the chances of a person developing cerebral palsy. Risk factors include:

• Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks’ gestation, and particularly those born before 32 weeks’ gestation, have a higher chance of developing CP.
• Low birth weight: Children who weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces at birth, and particularly those weighing less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces, have a higher chance of developing CP. Low birth weight is common in premature births, but it can happen in full-term births, too.
• Multiple births: Twins, triplets or other multiples are at a higher risk for CP. Multiples are not only commonly premature but, as a result, often have low birth weight, too.
• Infertility treatments: Infertility treatments often increase the likelihood of multiples. With multiples, premature birth and low birth weight are more common, increasing the likelihood of developing CP.
• Infections and medical conditions: Infections in the mother or baby can increase the likelihood of CP. Jaundice in babies and thyroid issues, seizures or intellectual disabilities in the mother can increase the risk of a child developing CP.
• Other birth complications: A detached placenta, uterine rupture or umbilical cord complications during birth can result in CP.

There is no single cause for cerebral palsy. Birth complications can affect babies in different ways. Children may develop typically without a CP diagnosis or other health conditions, even if they had complications at birth.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of CP, accounting for roughly 80% of people diagnosed with CP. Spastic cerebral palsy causes muscle stiffness, making movements rigid. Within spastic cerebral palsy, there are three subtypes:

• Spastic diplegia: In this type of CP, both legs are affected.
• Spastic hemiplegia: In this type, one side of a person’s body is affected.
• Spastic quadriplegia: This type of CP affects all four limbs.

Other types of CP include dyskinetic, ataxic and mixed (a combination of types). These types are less common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website outlines different types of cerebral palsy and the diagnosis process.

Alongside the direct effects of cerebral palsy, many people experience co-occurring conditions. These can include intellectual disabilities, seizure disorders and difficulties with vision, hearing or speech. Additionally, spinal deformities such as scoliosis and joint issues like contractures are prevalent.

Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed before the age of 2. Early signs of the disability can include:

• Delayed developmental milestones: Not rolling, crawling, sitting or walking at expected ages.
• Muscle tone and posture: Very tight or loose muscles. Some parents describe this posture in their child as feeling overly stiff or floppy.
• Primitive reflexes: Babies are born with involuntary reflexes, which are signs of healthy nervous system development. In cerebral palsy, primitive reflexes may be absent or persist beyond the typical age, potentially having lifelong effects.
• Movement and coordination: Stiff movements and tremors can indicate cerebral palsy. Difficulty with coordinated movements, such as using a spoon, clapping or unusual crawling patterns, like favoring one side or scooting, may also be signs of CP.
• Oral and feeding difficulties: Trouble chewing, sucking or swallowing, as well as frequent choking, gagging or drooling past infancy, could indicate cerebral palsy.

Consulting with your child’s doctor is important, as a medical professional can assess your child’s developmental progress and determine whether any interventions or diagnoses are necessary.

Cerebral Palsy in Adults

Although cerebral palsy is considered the most common motor disability in childhood, CP is a lifelong disability. The signs observed in babies can either persist into adulthood or evolve into different challenges. For example, a baby with CP who struggles to sit up or roll over may eventually master these skills but could still face difficulties with movement or balance as an adult. This might include challenges like walking or navigating stairs. Conversely, children who do not achieve certain childhood milestones may continue to require assistance as adults. For example, a baby who once had trouble crawling may rely on a wheelchair as an adult. The specific challenges faced can vary widely, depending on the severity and type of CP, as well as the support and interventions received throughout one’s life.

Cerebral Palsy: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common mobility disabilities, yet awareness about it remains limited. Common questions people may have about cerebral palsy include:

1. What Is the Life Expectancy of a Child with Cerebral Palsy?

Life expectancy for people with cerebral palsy varies, depending on factors like severity and co‑occurring health conditions. Many individuals with CP live an average life expectancy, while others may have a shorter lifespan due to co-occurring conditions or medical complications.

2. Does Cerebral Palsy Get Worse Over Time?

Cerebral palsy is a nonprogressive disorder, meaning the underlying brain injury does not worsen over time. However, physical manifestations might change with age, sometimes creating different challenges as a person gets older.

3. Can Cerebral Palsy Be Cured?

Cerebral palsy cannot be cured, but multiple types of therapy, including speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy, as well as medications, mobility aids and other interventions, can help mitigate the disability.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles can make a significant difference in the lives of people with cerebral palsy and caregivers. If you're considering a wheelchair accessible vehicle or mobility product, reach out to your local BraunAbility dealer. Your local mobility dealer can help you find an accessible vehicle or mobility product to meet your needs.