Cerebral palsy: information for parents of affected children

Mastering cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an early-childhood brain injury that occurs around birth. Depending on the location of the injury, your child's ability to move may be affected. CP is the most common cause of movement disorders in children. Cerebral palsy mainly affects mobility. For instance, when walking is difficult, this can affect the daily life of your whole family. It is therefore important to support motor development as early as possible with appropriate mobility aids to find good solutions and master everyday life together. Find out here how cerebral palsy can affect children and how you can support your child's movement in a targeted manner.

Supporting mobility

How to manage cerebral palsy as a family

To many parents, the diagnosis of cerebral palsy in their child is initially a shock. Worries and questions about their future then often dominate thoughts: What effects will cerebral palsy have on the physical and mental development of my child? What can we do for our child to live an active and independent life? How will our family life change as a result?

After the initial diagnosis, it will become clear that there are many ways to support the development of your child with cerebral palsy. To support the development of your child in the best possible way, you as the family will usually receive expert support. Specialists from various fields work together to create a therapy plan to treat both existing and possibly developing restrictions of movement. To achieve this, therapies such as movement therapies or neuromobility aids are available.

Definition

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is also known as infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) and is defined as an injury to the brain that occurs before, during or after birth up to about two years of age due to a variety of causes. It is usually accompanied by a number of movement and postural dysfunctions, which often limit mobility. In addition to these motor dysfunctions, other health impairments may occur, such as disorders that may affect vision or hearing, communication or behavior.

Cerebral palsy patient petting a horse together with his father

Early treatment of mobility

Cerebral palsy does not progress, which means the brain injury will not get worse. At the same time, however, cerebral palsy is not curable, and the physical and mental consequences of the disease may get worse if not treated early and permanently. Therefore, therapy aims to promote existing movement abilities and treat the effects of the disease. How mild or severe the symptoms (i.e., the physical or mental disabilities of cerebral palsy) are depends on the affected area of the brain and the level of injury.

Just as the development of mobility is different for every child, it also varies considerably for children with cerebral palsy. The movement disorders or postural disturbances occurring are specific to each individual. The physical development of a person affects his or her cognitive maturity, so it is vital to treat movement disorders or postural disturbances during early childhood in a targeted manner. Physiotherapy and mobility aids such as orthoses, wheelchairs, walking and standing aids are therefore particularly important for the best possible mobility support.

Cerebral palsy patient playing with her physiotherapist

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is also known as infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) and is defined as an injury to the brain that occurs before, during or after birth up to about two years of age due to a variety of causes. It is usually accompanied by a number of movement and postural dysfunctions, which often limit mobility. In addition to these motor dysfunctions, other health impairments may occur, such as disorders that may affect vision or hearing, communication or behavior.

What does infantile cerebral palsy mean?

Cerebral palsy may occur both in unborn children and after birth due to a variety of causes; this early-childhood brain injury is often referred to as infantile cerebral palsy (ICP). The term infantile cerebral palsy is now considered outdated, as it implies that the condition occurs in early infancy and is a postnatal development, i.e., develops after birth. However, in more than 80 percent of cases, cerebral palsy has an underlying prenatal cause, i.e., a cause developed before birth. Cerebral palsy is the most common movement disorder in childhood. As children with (infantile) cerebral palsy grow up, the disorder continues into adulthood.

Early treatment of mobility

Cerebral palsy does not progress, which means the brain injury will not get worse. At the same time, however, cerebral palsy is not curable, and the physical and mental consequences of the disease may get worse if not treated early and permanently. Therefore, therapy aims to promote existing movement abilities and treat the effects of the disease. How mild or severe the symptoms (i.e., the physical or mental disabilities of cerebral palsy) are depends on the affected area of the brain and the level of injury.

Just as the development of mobility is different for every child, it also varies considerably for children with cerebral palsy. The movement disorders or postural disturbances occurring are specific to each individual. The physical development of a person affects his or her cognitive maturity, so it is vital to treat movement disorders or postural disturbances during early childhood in a targeted manner. Physiotherapy and mobility aids such as orthoses, wheelchairs, walking and standing aids are therefore particularly important for the best possible mobility support.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is also known as infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) and is defined as an injury to the brain that occurs before, during or after birth up to about two years of age due to a variety of causes. It is usually accompanied by a number of movement and postural dysfunctions, which often limit mobility. In addition to these motor dysfunctions, other health impairments may occur, such as disorders that may affect vision or hearing, communication or behavior.

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Causes and risks

What are the causes of cerebral palsy?

Finding out the exact cause behind cerebral palsy in an individual child or determining the risk factors that may have played a role is often challenging for doctors. It is often not possible to determine the cause of the early brain injury. Doctors also discuss whether several factors may be involved in the development of cerebral palsy.

The known causes of cerebral palsy in children are very diverse. Doctors usually classify the causes according to the time at which children acquire the brain injury:

More than 50 percent are affected before birth (prenatal) or during pregnancy as a result of infection or lack of oxygen, for example when a blood clot (thrombosis) forms in a blood vessel in the brain and obstructs blood flow.
During birth (perinatal): From lack of oxygen at birth, for example.
Less commonly after birth (postnatal) as a result of infection such as meningitis or kernicterus, or overlooked rhesus incompatibility.

Cerebral palsy patient playing with his family

Increasingly, doctors are finding genetic causes of cerebral palsy and speak of "de-novo" mutations. These are chromosomal disorders that can be inherited, which is why siblings often have an increased risk of CP. In addition, there are a number of other factors that may increase the risk of cerebral palsy in children. Some of these factors are:

Multiple pregnancies
Maternal obesity during pregnancy
Infectious diseases such as toxoplasmosis or rubella, or those caused by cytomegalovirus or herpes simplex virus before or after birth

Further causes of cerebral palsy are:

Premature birth: Children born before 28 weeks are more likely to be affected by cerebral palsy.
Birth complications
A birth weight that is too high or too low

Cerebral palsy patient playing with his toys

Find products that can support your child's mobility

Products & solutions

Symptoms

How does cerebral palsy affect my child’s development?

Depending on the severity of the resulting brain injury in early childhood, different symptoms of cerebral palsy may appear. In children, cerebral palsy mostly affects motor skills or mobility and leads to various movement disorders. In addition, there are other accompanying symptoms such as pain or cognitive impairments; some children may struggle to talk or smile. The symptoms of each child depend on the particular area of the brain affected, so not every child will experience the same symptoms and to the same severity.

The following signs of cerebral palsy occur alone or in combination.

Spasticity (spastic paralysis)

Spastic paralysis occurs most frequently; it means that certain muscles, for example the legs or arms, have permanently high tension and are therefore constantly cramped, making controlled movements difficult. This spastic form of cerebral palsy occurs in 75 to 87 percent of all cases. If spasticity persists, this can lead to shortened muscles, tendons and ligaments, resulting in restricted mobility of joints such as the knee and malposition of the legs or arms.

Paralysis (tetraparesis, hemiparesis, monoparesis, diparesis, paraparesis)

Paralysis of varying severity is also a possible symptom of cerebral palsy. In the medical world, a distinction is made between paresis and paralysis. Individuals with paresis often have mobility, although limited, and reduced muscle strength. Individuals with paralysis, however, experience complete loss of function in the affected area of the body or limb.

Doctors define paralysis and spastic paralysis according to where it occurs. If only one limb (e.g., an arm) is affected, it is referred to as monoparesis or monoplegia. If both arms or both legs are affected by paralysis, this is called diparesis or diplegia. If only both legs are affected, doctors use the term paraparesis or paraplegia for this type of paralysis. They speak of tetraparesis or tetraplegia if all four extremities (i.e., both arms and both legs) are paralyzed. In people with hemiparesis or hemiplegia, the left or the right side of the body is paralyzed or has limited mobility. Depending on how pronounced the paralysis is and where exactly it is located, movements such as sitting or walking may be difficult.

Graphic representation of different forms of paralysis

Dyskinesia (for example athetosis)

Dyskinesia describes a movement disorder that may affect different parts of the body. In people with cerebral palsy, dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary and uncontrollable movements, which can be slow or sudden. For instance, young children with dyskinesia of the arms often open and close their hands continuously. This makes it harder for them to hold or grasp items such as a cup or toy. Dyskinesia can increase when a child gets excited about something. For instance, children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have difficulty keeping their head or upper body upright due to limited body control. In these cases, an appropriately customized wheelchair with seating and positioning aids can provide support and increase stability. Athetosis is one of the dyskinesias. Athetoid cerebral palsy often shows in an individual by excessively twisted movements of the hands or feet, or fingers or toes.

Malpositions and contractures

One of the most common malpositions in children with cerebral palsy is the equinus deformity. Due to muscle spasticity, the tip of the foot points downwards, meaning the sole of the foot cannot or only with difficulty be placed on the ground. It is therefore often difficult to stand upright. With physiotherapy and special positioning splints or orthotics, this deformity can be treated. It may even be possible to avoid shortened muscles, tendons and ligaments, which in turn may lead to a permanently stiff joint, often called contracture.

Gait abnormalities

Children with cerebral palsy sometimes show certain gait abnormalities. One such is the scissor gait, which is characterized by the knees and thighs being pressed together or crossing when walking as a result of the leg extensor muscles being strengthened. As it is not possible to bend the leg as easily with each step, the legs are too long for walking. In order to move around, affected individuals must swing their legs sideways to the front, making their gait pattern appear choppy and stiff.

Crouch gait is also a common gait abnormality in children with cerebral palsy. It is characterized by walking with bent knee and hip joints, which is much more exhausting for the child and more stressful on his or her joints. Balance disorders also play a role in gait abnormalities; in some cases, they require a wheelchair.

Other accompanying symptoms apart from movement restrictions

Cognitive or sensory impairments are also possible. These can present as learning difficulties, behavioral disorders or delayed speech or language development of the affected child. It is also possible for a child with cerebral palsy to have impaired hearing or vision. CP can also cause epilepsy or epileptic seizures. This is a neurological disorder that leads to seizures of individual muscles or the entire body as a result of too many visual stimuli.

Based on the individual symptoms, doctors can distinguish between different types or classifications of cerebral palsy. The following overview shows the form of cerebral palsy behind the medical terms:

GMFCS

What does the GMFCS level say about my child's mobility?

Based on the results of an examination of motor skills and mobility disorders of the affected child in everyday life, doctors can diagnose the level of severity of cerebral palsy. The “Gross Motor Function Classification System” (GMFCS) is often used for this purpose – not only by doctors but also by members of other professional groups, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. In many cases, you as parents are actively involved in this process: Questionnaires are used to include your perspective, which makes it easier to identify everyday problems and observations.

The GMFCS consists of five levels or stages, into which mildly to severely affected children with cerebral palsy can be classified. Determining the GMFCS level is about recording your child's current level of mobility – in other words, which movements are possible for your child in everyday life and where he or she encounters obstacles. Each level refers to the movements that are possible. Since the ability to move depends on the age of your child, the GMFCS also distinguishes between different age levels (from 0–2, 2–4, 4–6, 6–12 and 12–18 years). Below you can find a general summary across all ages.

GMFCS 1

Your child can move around independently (with an orthosis, such as an arm or leg splint). Mobility is hardly restricted, and depending on age, activities such as walking, climbing stairs, running and hopping are possible for children with cerebral palsy. Doing sports is also possible later in childhood (6–12 years). At this age, speed, coordination or balance restrictions may become apparent.

GMFCS 1

Your child can move around independently (with an orthosis, such as an arm or leg splint). Mobility is hardly restricted, and depending on age, activities such as walking, climbing stairs, running and hopping are possible for children with cerebral palsy. Doing sports is also possible later in childhood (6–12 years). At this age, speed, coordination or balance restrictions may become apparent.

GMFCS 2

Your child can move around independently to a limited extent (with an orthosis, such as an arm or leg orthosis). Mobility is slightly restricted, and depending on age, your child can stand and walk on stable ground in early childhood. However, uneven ground or outdoor environments may be more difficult, and your child may need a walker. Climbing stairs is possible with handrails; however, running and hopping skills are limited. In older children (6–12 years), a mobility aid may be needed for sports.

GMFCS 3

Your child can move around independently with the help of a walking aid (such as crutches, walking sticks, a walker or wheelchair). In early childhood, your child mainly sits in the W-sitting position (knees in front, feet behind, bottom between the heels). Your child manages to climb stairs together with an adult. When your child is a little older (6–12 years), he or she sometimes manages to climb stairs independently with the help of stair railings. For longer distances or on uneven grounds, your child may require a wheelchair. To participate in physical activity or do sports later in childhood (6–12 years), mobility aids such as a wheelchair may be necessary.

GMFCS 4

Your child has limited ability to move independently but an electric wheelchair makes it possible. When sitting, your child needs support. It may be necessary to use a bath seat for your child. In some cases, walking may be possible with the help of a walker, but changes of direction and balance on uneven ground may cause problems. For indoor mobility, for example at home or at school, your child will use an active wheelchair or an electric wheelchair. Participating in physical activity or doing sports requires assistance from a second person or adapted mobility aids such as electric wheelchairs.

GMFCS 5

Your child is driven in a wheelchair, buggy or stroller to get around. Conscious movements are severely restricted, and your child’s ability to hold his or her head or trunk independently (until the second birthday) is not possible; later in childhood, this will only be possible to a limited extent. In early childhood (2–4 years), your child can often only stand or sit to a limited extent despite mobility aids. Occasionally, your child can move independently with a (specially equipped) electric wheelchair. To participate in physical activity or do sports later in childhood (6–12 years), adults or highly adapted mobility aids such as electric wheelchairs provide support.

Family life

Living as a family with cerebral palsy

Treatments become part of everyday life

If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it will affect your entire family life. The extent to which changes occur will depend on your child’s mobility level. Families with a child with mild cerebral palsy at GMFCS level 1 can usually manage the symptoms quite well. This is often achieved with special therapies and facilities, trained professionals as well as the right orthopedic and mobility aids.

Cerebral palsy patient kissing his mother

Family and sibling support

Not only parents have to find their roles, also siblings need to learn how to deal with the special needs of their brother or sister and help them live a fulfilling life. Experts therefore recommend introducing the affected child’s siblings to cerebral palsy in an age-appropriate way.

In many cases, the wider family environment is also asked to assist; getting help and support as parents or offering this support as aunts, uncles, grandparents or friends is an important step in shaping family life with cerebral palsy. This assistance can either be to provide care or help with financial matters. In addition, there is also support from others outside the circle of family and friends, such as family helpers, volunteers and integrative care services.

Cerebral palsy patient rides with his father in tractor

Treatments become part of everyday life

If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it will affect your entire family life. The extent to which changes occur will depend on your child’s mobility level. Families with a child with mild cerebral palsy at GMFCS level 1 can usually manage the symptoms quite well. This is often achieved with special therapies and facilities, trained professionals as well as the right orthopedic and mobility aids.

Making time for family moments

Organizing both private time and time with caregivers is a challenge for many parents of children with CP, as the needs of all other family members must also be considered. This includes the fact that the affected child needs to be cared for and supported in the best possible way, while at the same time, there needs to be enough time for siblings, relationships and oneself. This time is particularly important for those affected by cerebral palsy to help them draw strength for a positive and active family life. The relationship between parents and family members therefore plays an important role to talk about concerns, challenges as well as needs and wishes.

Cerebral palsy patient sitting on a horse

Family and sibling support

Not only parents have to find their roles, also siblings need to learn how to deal with the special needs of their brother or sister and help them live a fulfilling life. Experts therefore recommend introducing the affected child’s siblings to cerebral palsy in an age-appropriate way.

In many cases, the wider family environment is also asked to assist; getting help and support as parents or offering this support as aunts, uncles, grandparents or friends is an important step in shaping family life with cerebral palsy. This assistance can either be to provide care or help with financial matters. In addition, there is also support from others outside the circle of family and friends, such as family helpers, volunteers and integrative care services.

Treatments become part of everyday life

If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it will affect your entire family life. The extent to which changes occur will depend on your child’s mobility level. Families with a child with mild cerebral palsy at GMFCS level 1 can usually manage the symptoms quite well. This is often achieved with special therapies and facilities, trained professionals as well as the right orthopedic and mobility aids.

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Treatment

Improving the mobility of children with cerebral palsy

In the first place, treatment of cerebral palsy depends on the type of symptoms and how these affect daily life. The goal of therapy is to improve your child's motor skills as well as cognitive development. The aim is to ensure your child is in an upright position so that his or her further development can be facilitated. In addition, regular appointments are used to keep track of how mobile your child is and how he or she is developing to provide the best possible support for independence. Preventive measures also play a major role to prevent muscle, ligament or tendon shortening and contractures as well as malpositions in the first place.

Many different professional groups work together to promote the mobility of your child with cerebral palsy. Planning of the necessary therapeutic measures is mainly the responsibility of the treating doctors. For movement therapy, your child is primarily cared for by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Speech therapists and orthotists are also part of the treatment team to provide support in achieving the best possible physical development and quality of life for your child and your family.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for cerebral palsy is about enhancing mobility and the existing range of movement. It is adapted to the individual needs of your child; in general, physiotherapists will teach you as parents how activity and movement promotion can be integrated into everyday life. You will be shown how to handle certain situations, such as how to use necessary mobility aids.

For instance, lower limb orthotics are often necessary for running to improve an equinus deformity. Over time, it is possible for the ankle to become more mobile and standing to become easier. Transferring your child from a bed or chair to a wheelchair is also part of physiotherapy. Parents will also learn special movement exercises that they can use with or on their child at home.

Orthopedic devices

In order to promote and maintain joint function and overall mobility in those with cerebral palsy, orthotists will prescribe appropriate orthopedic devices. These can improve or prevent shortening of muscles, ligaments and tendons as well as malpositions. Orthopedic devices aim to strengthen your child with cerebral palsy so that he or she can live an active and independent life.

The scissor gait can be treated this way, for example. A hip abduction orthosis (such as the Ottobock Cosa Junior) with pads on the inner thighs makes it easier for children with CP to sit firmly or walk. The pads in the trousers function as spacers. The orthosis can also be combined with other mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or lower limb orthosis. The latter often is a dynamic ankle-foot orthosis (such as the Ottobock WalkOn Reaction Junior). It is used in case of drop foot symptoms. There are different models with different functional characteristics. All models support children in physiological walking - even at different speeds and loads. Another assistive device is the Exopulse Mollii Suit, that is designed to effectively relax tense, spastic muscles and relieve related pain. It can be used in combination with physical therapy, exercise, or physical activity.

Medications

In some cases of spastic cerebral palsy, various medications (either orally or as injections) can be used as part of the therapy. The goal of drug therapy is to relieve spasticity and pain. Which medications are suitable and whether they are needed is decided by the doctors based on your child’s symptoms and the fact of whether certain conditions are met under the benefit-risk assessment. As every case of cerebral palsy is different, this will be decided on an individual basis.

Surgical treatment options

Doctors try to use non-surgical treatment methods for children with cerebral palsy as much as possible. In some cases, however, it may make sense to consider surgical measures. Depending on the procedure, pain caused by spasticity can be relieved, and standing and walking can be improved. Applied early enough, some surgeries can be preventive, and the effects of spasticity can be prevented in certain cases. In some cases, surgery is also a treatment option for already existing malpositions or changes in the joint.

Development

What does cerebral palsy mean for your child's future mobility?

Many parents of children with cerebral palsy are uncertain about their child's future. Questions about how the physical impairments will affect development and therefore the prospect of an independent and active life are often the primary focus.

Although cerebral palsy cannot be cured and remains permanent, maintaining and improving mobility are the goals of treatment. Specific support can often improve mobility up to the age of seven. More than half of the children with cerebral palsy are able to walk independently.

Cerebral palsy patient playing with his airplane in the Exopulse Mollii Suit

Your child’s independence

In addition, the clinical presentation of cerebral palsy varies widely depending on the extent of the injury to your child’s brain. As a result, some children are only very slightly limited, and an independent life on their own is indeed possible. If cerebral palsy is severe, it is possible that those affected will be dependent on support for the rest of their lives; however, even in this case, there are many possibilities and mobility aids to promote and shape your child’s independence and participation.

If no other serious accompanying diseases occur, cerebral palsy does not affect life expectancy.

Cerebral palsy patient playing in the Exopulse Mollii Suit

References

Döderlein L.: Infantile Zerebralparese: Diagnostik, konservative und operative Therapie. Springer Verlag, 2. Auflage, 2007.

Deximed: Infantile Zerebralparese (CP), from: https://deximed.de/home/klinische-themen/paediatrie/krankheiten/neurologie/zerebralparese-cp# (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Korzeniewski SJ, et al.: The complex aetiology of cerebral palsy. Nat Rev Neurol. 2018;14(9):528-543, available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41582-018-0043-6#citeas (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Hufschmidt A. et al. Neurologie compact. Stuttgart, Thieme 7. Auflage, 2017, available at: https://eref.thieme.de/ebooks/1935646#/ebook_1935646_SL75194585(retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Jin S. C. et al. Mutations disrupting neuritogenesis genes confer risk for cerebral palsy, in: Nat Genet. 2021 Mar;53(3):412, doi:10.1038/s41588-020-0695-1 (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Jarvis S. et al.: Cerebral palsy and intrauterine growth in single births: European collaborative study, in: Lancet. 2003;362(9390):1106-1111. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14466-2, available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(03)14466-2/fulltext (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Villamor E. et al.: Association Between Maternal Body Mass Index in Early Pregnancy and Incidence of Cerebral Palsy. JAMA. 2017;317(9):925-936, available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2608220 (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Bundesverband für körper- und mehrfachbehinderte Menschen: Glossar: Kinder cerebralen Bewegungsstörungen, available at: https://bvkm.de/glossar/(retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Strobl W. et al.: Therapeutisches Arbeiten in der Neuroorthopädie. Multiprofessionelle Teamarbeit und transdisziplinäres Denken. Springer Verlag, 2021.

MSD-Manuals online: Zerebralparese, available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/gesundheitsprobleme-von-kindern/neurologische-st%C3%B6rungen-bei-kindern/zerebralparese-cp (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Pschyrembel online: Ataxie, available at: https://www.pschyrembel.de/Ataxie/K033G/doc/(retrieved: 10/31/2022)

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Fachportal des Bundesinnungsvereins für Orthopädie-Technik: Was können Unterschenkelorthesen zur Verbesserung des Gangbildes bei Kindern mit Zerebralparese leisten?, available at: https://360-ot.de/was-koennen-unterschenkelorthesen-zur-verbesserung-des-gangbildes-bei-kindern-mit-zerebralparese-leisten/ (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Alriksson-Schmidt A., Hägglund G.: Pain in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a population-based registry study, in: Acta Paediatr. 2016 Jun;105(6):665-70, available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5071732/pdf/APA-105-665.pdf(retrieved: 10/31/2022)

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Ruchholtz, S. et al.: Essentials - Intensivkurs zur Weiterbildung: Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie essentials. Thieme Verlag, 2013: Kapitel 6 – Systemerkrankungen: 6.5 Neurologische Erkrankungen

6.5.2 Infantile Zerebralparese, available at: https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ebooks/lookinside/10.1055/b-0034-62218 (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Himmelmann, K., et al.: Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: a population-based study of children born between 1991 and 1998. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 2007; 49: 246-251, available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.00246.x https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2007.00246.x (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Heinen F. et al. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS): Klassifikation und Therapiekurve für Kinder mitCerebralparese. Version 3_2014, available at: https://www.klinikum.uni-muenchen.de/mashup/blaetterkatalog_ispz_gmfcs/blaetterkatalog/pdf/complete.pdf (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Becher T., Horn A. GMFCS, MACS, AHA und andere Akronyme. Kann man wirklich damit arbeiten? Neuropädiatrie in Klinik und Praxis 2016; 15 (4):1–8, available at:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291696243_GMFCS_MACS_AHA_und_andere_Akronyme_-_Kann_man_wirklich_damit_arbeiten (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

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Silbereisen H., Dittmann V.: Ergotherapie bei Kindern mit Infantiler Zerebralparese, in: ergopraxis 2008; 01(5): 16-19, DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1261706, available at: https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0030-1261706?lang=de (retrieved: 10/31/2022)

Cerebral palsy: what to expect

Living with cerebral palsy

Mastering cerebral palsy

How to manage cerebral palsy as a family

What is cerebral palsy?

Early treatment of mobility

What is cerebral palsy?

What does infantile cerebral palsy mean?

Early treatment of mobility

What is cerebral palsy?

What are the causes of cerebral palsy?

Find products that can support your child's mobility

How does cerebral palsy affect my child’s development?

Based on the individual symptoms, doctors can distinguish between different types or classifications of cerebral palsy. The following overview shows the form of cerebral palsy behind the medical terms:

What does the GMFCS level say about my child's mobility?

Living as a family with cerebral palsy

Treatments become part of everyday life

Family and sibling support

Treatments become part of everyday life

Making time for family moments

Family and sibling support

Treatments become part of everyday life

Improving the mobility of children with cerebral palsy

What does cerebral palsy mean for your child's future mobility?

Your child’s independence

References