What is Cerebral Palsy?

What is cerebral palsy? Most people have heard about cerebral palsy, also known as CP, but not everyone understands this rare disorder that can start in infancy or early childhood. It’s important for parents concerned about their children to know more about CP and what signs to look for.

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect body movement and muscle coordination. The word “cerebral” means involvement with the brain, while the word “palsy” refers to problems or weakness using the muscles.

CP was first studied and defined as far back as 1853. Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage or abnormal brain development, usually before or during birth, but it can also occur during the first months or years of a child’s life. Medical professionals give CP one of several classifications based on the type of movement disorder involved.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy can include stiff muscles that make movements and walking appear awkward, uncontrollable movement of the feet, legs, arms, and hands, and difficulty with balance and coordination. You should immediately reach out to a doctor if you notice any of these signs in your infants or young children. Diagnosing cerebral palsy early is crucial for the well-being of both the child and their family.

While cerebral palsy unfortunately has no cure, depending on the type of CP and the severity of symptoms, a doctor may prescribe or recommend different treatment options that can truly help manage the symptoms. Medication can treat several symptoms of CP, including seizures, abnormal increase in muscle tone or muscle stiffness, and involuntary movements.

Several therapy options can help improve brain cognition and movement. Those with mild CP may not require any special assistance, but individuals with severe CP may need to use special equipment to help them walk. Unlike many other serious health conditions, CP does not worsen over time since it is the result of a one-time brain injury. While other mitigating factors that were not a result of the initial brain injury can affect health over time, many children diagnosed with cerebral palsy can experience a relatively normal life expectancy.

Statistics can make it seem complicated to understand how prevalent CP is. Estimates show that in the United States, around 8,000 to 10,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy every year. However, while that number may seem rather high, studies provide another perspective: cerebral palsy occurs in approximately two to three out of every 1,000 children born, which is a percentage rate of 0.36 percent—roughly just one third of one percent.

It was initially thought that CP was caused by a lack of oxygen during birth; however, scientists today believe this accounts for only a small number of CP cases. Congenital CP, specifically caused by abnormal brain development or damage before or during birth, accounts for the majority of all CP cases—about 85 to 90 percent.

Many parents can feel confused or lost once a doctor diagnoses their child with CP. However, there are abundant resources available to help you provide your child with a healthy and fulfilling life. If you are interested in learning more about cerebral palsy, its effects, treatments, and much more, please visit BirthInjuryCenter.org.