What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects a child's body movements and posture. It is permanent and does not go away, but its effect on the child and family can be reduced a great deal with treatment.
CP becomes a concern when a child's motor skills do not match other children of the same age, for example:
- Sitting up without support
- Picking up small objects with the fingers
- Pulling up to stand
- Walking
What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy results from damage to the developing brain. This can happen before birth, during birth, or after birth up to the first 2 years of life.
CP often does not exist alone. Children with CP may also have problems with vision, hearing, speech, feeding, constipation and learning, and some have fits (epilepsy).
How is CP diagnosed?
A pediatric neurologist or developmental disorders specialist confirms the child's motor level based on the medical history and a neurological examination. Several visits may be needed before the diagnosis is certain.
Specialized tests may include:
- Neuroimaging with MRI or CT scan
- Genetic and metabolic tests
In some children the MRI or CT does not show the reason. The doctor may then look for genetic or inherited causes.
Treatment options
Treatment helps manage and improve the symptoms. Usually a combination works best. A consultation with a pediatric neurologist is essential to find the cause and to start medicines when needed. Other important therapies include:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Botulinum toxin injections for stiff muscles
- Braces and walking aids
- Surgery in selected cases
Will my child walk?
This is the question almost every parent asks. On average, about 60 percent of children with cerebral palsy walk independently, and another 10 percent walk with a mobility device. The answer usually becomes clearer by around 2 years of age.
| At 2 years, the child | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Can sit on their own | Usually expected to walk by 6 years |
| Cannot sit but can roll | May be able to walk without help by 6 years |
| Cannot sit even by 4 years | Rarely walks later in life |
Every child is different. Regular therapy and follow up help each child reach their own best level of movement and independence.
Questions parents often ask
Is cerebral palsy progressive?
No. The brain injury in cerebral palsy does not get worse over time. However, muscle stiffness and posture can change as the child grows, which is why regular therapy and follow up are important.
Can cerebral palsy be detected early?
Yes. Signs such as delayed head control, stiff or floppy limbs and late sitting can often be noticed in the first year. Early therapy gives the best results.
Do children with CP have normal intelligence?
Many children with cerebral palsy have normal intelligence. Some have learning difficulties, so each child should be assessed individually.