

Cerebral Palsy. An Overview.
Living with cerebral palsy
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is defined as an injury to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth due to various causes. It is usually accompanied by a number of movements and postural dysfunctions, which often limit mobility. In addition to these motor dysfunctions, other impairments may occur, such as disorders that affect communication or behavior.
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.

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

What are the Types and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture, with symptoms varying based on the type and severity. Common signs include muscle stiffness (spasticity), involuntary movements, poor coordination, and abnormal posture. Individuals may also experience speech and swallowing difficulties, intellectual disabilities, vision or hearing impairments, and developmental delays. Associated conditions like seizures, chronic pain, and fatigue are also common. The symptoms of each person depend on the area of the brain that is affected, so not every person will experience the same symptoms or the same severity. The following signs of Cerebral Palsy occur alone or in combination.
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:
Understanding Infantile Cerebral Palsy
Infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) typically presents as muscle stiffness (spasticity) and movement disorders. It results from brain injuries occurring before, during, or shortly after birth due to factors like oxygen deprivation, infections, or complications during delivery.

Types & Symptoms.
Spastic CP (75% of cases) – Stiff muscles, exaggerated reflexes.
Hemiplegia (32%) – One side of the body is affected, with the arm more impacted than the leg.
Diplegia (40%) – Both legs are more affected than the arms.
Tetraplegia (2%) – All limbs are impacted, often with significant developmental delays.
Bilateral Hemiplegia & Triplegia – Varying paralysis affecting multiple limbs.
Common complications include stiff joints, difficulty in sitting or walking, speech delays, and posture abnormalities.
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.
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.

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.

Navigating Adolescence with CP.
Lot’s of things are changing. Including how you move!
Your teen years are a time of constant change. To your body. To what interests you and what’s important to you. You’re experiencing new feelings, looking for new kinds of friends, and starting a new part of your life.
But that can be tough when you have CP. CP can have a big impact on every part of your body, and especially on your mobility (how your body moves). Being able to move freely is more important than ever when you want to go new places, try new hobbies, and do lots more on your own.
If you’re a teen with CP, this page can help. You’ll learn a bit about what to expect at your age, and get some advice and inspiration from a real expert in what you’re going through.
Teenage years bring physical, emotional, and social challenges. For those with CP, mobility issues can affect independence, self-confidence, and participation in activities.
Key Challenges & Adaptations
Increased Spasticity & Joint Stiffness
– Growth spurts may worsen muscle tightness.
Gait Abnormalities
– Walking patterns may change, requiring updated orthotics or mobility aids.
Pain & Fatigue
– Overuse of muscles can lead to chronic pain and exhaustion.
Social Inclusion
– Teens with CP may feel different but can benefit from peer support and self-advocacy.
Maintaining Mobility & Independence
Physical & Occupational Therapy
– Adjusting treatments to accommodate growth and new physical challenges.
Assistive Devices
– Custom wheelchairs, braces, and adaptive technology for greater independence.
Mental Health Support
– Addressing self-esteem, anxiety, and social concerns through counseling and peer groups.
Encouraging independence and confidence is key to helping teens transition into adulthood successfully.
Find out what to expect — from a teen just like you!
Grownups and doctors have a lot of the answers you need when you have CP. But while they want what’s best for you, sometimes it just helps to hear it from someone your age. Someone who’s going through the same experiences and changes as you.
So to share what it’s like being a teen with CP, we asked a real expert: a teen with CP. Let’s meet her!
How to take on life’s new challenges with CP.
Moya-May has a real passion for helping others with disabilities like her. She loves to share what she’s learned about growing up with her condition, so we asked her for some real-life advice in this special video series. Keep scrolling to watch them all!
Being a teen with CP: Learning as you grow.
Being a teen can be tough for anyone. But it’s even more challenging when you’re facing a disability like CP. You want to do more on your own. And you want to feel accepted as you are.
In this video, Moya-May talks about how important that is for her too. CP doesn’t have to make you feel different, she says. It’s okay to be who you are, and to share how you’re feeling as your body changes and grows.
What to expect and how to get ready.
Everyone’s teen years are different, but there are still a lot of things that just about everyone goes through. Like wanting to know that people love and understand you.
Moya-May says that starts with being kind and patient when people ask questions about you and your CP. She loves to share how things are for her. It helps everyone understand, accept, and care for each other.

Adulthood: Long-Term Management.
While Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive condition, its symptoms can evolve and present new challenges in adulthood due to aging, lifestyle factors, and the long-term impact of the condition on the body. Below are the most common symptoms experienced by adults with CP:
1. Motor and Mobility Issues:
Increased Muscle Stiffness and Spasticity: Worsening tightness in muscles over time. Muscle tone imbalances may lead to contractures (permanent tightening of muscles) and reduced flexibility.
Reduced Mobility: Difficulty walking or maintaining balance, increased reliance on mobility aids.
Joint and Muscle Pain: Often caused by abnormal posture, overuse, or arthritis.
Fatigue: Increased energy expenditure for routine activities due to inefficient movement patterns.
Muscle Weakness: Gradual weakening of muscles, impacting daily functions.
2. Postural Changes:
Joint Deformities: Development of contractures or scoliosis.
Poor Posture: Difficulty maintaining proper alignment while sitting or standing.
3. Speech and Swallowing Problems:
Dysarthria: Slurred or slow speech patterns.
Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia): Increased risk of choking or aspiration.
4. Chronic Pain:
Pain in the muscles, joints, and nerves, often due to years of abnormal muscle use and misalignment.
5. Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges:
Cognitive Decline: Some adults may experience memory or concentration difficulties.
Mental Health Concerns: Higher risk of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.
Social Isolation: Challenges in social integration and maintaining relationships.
6. Secondary Health Issues:
Arthritis: Accelerated joint wear and tear.
Osteoporosis: Increased risk of bone fractures.
Incontinence: Bladder or bowel control issues.
Seizures: Some adults may continue to experience epileptic episodes.
7. Fatigue and Reduced Endurance & Post-Impairment Syndrome:
Daily activities may become increasingly exhausting due to the extra effort required for movement and posture control.
Post-impairment syndrome is a common condition that occurs when you max out your body's energy repeatedly. If you have CP, you may use all your energy doing certain everyday tasks, such as climbing small flights of stairs or sweeping the floor.
8. Premature Aging:
Adults with CP may experience physical aging earlier than the general population due to the strain on their muscles and joints over time.
Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy.
While there is no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medications, assistive devices, and, in some cases, surgery. Early intervention and a personalised treatment plan are key to addressing the unique needs of each individual. Explore our site to learn more about CP, available treatment options, and resources for support and care.
Where to find support.
Your doctor is your first point of contact. Later, allied health professionals such as Physiotherapists, Orthotists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech and Language Therapists will be available to assist you if you need advice.
In addition to discussing cerebral palsy within your own family and circle of friends, networking with others in a similar situation can also be helpful.