Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of disorders that affect muscle movement and coordination. In many cases, cerebral palsy also affects vision, hearing, and sensation.
The word “cerebral” means having to do with the brain. The word “palsy” means weakness or problems with body movement.
Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of motor disabilities in childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects 1 to 4 out of every 1,000 childrenTrusted Source worldwide.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Some people with cerebral palsy may have difficulty walking and sitting. Other people with cerebral palsy can have trouble grasping objects.
The effects of the condition can become more or less obvious or limiting as a child grows and develops motor skills. They also vary depending on the part of the brain that was affected.
Most children with cerebral palsy are born with it, but some may not show signs of it until months or years later. Symptoms usually appear within a few months of birthTrusted Source, according to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
The goal of treatment is to improve limitations and prevent complications. Treatment may include assistive aids, medications, or surgery.
Your doctor might also suggest either local injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) or intrathecal baclofen therapy (Gablofen, Lioresal), where the drug is delivered through an implantable pump.
Surgery
Orthopedic surgery may be used to relieve pain and improve mobility. It may also be needed to release tight muscles or correct bone irregularities caused by spasticity.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) might be recommended as a last resort to reduce chronic pain or spasticity. It involves cutting nerves near the base of the spinal column.
Other treatment
Other types of treatment for cerebral palsy include:
Although experts are exploring stem cell therapy as a potential treatment for cerebral palsy, research is still in the early stages. It may be most effective at helping improve motor symptoms, according to a 2020 literature review.
Electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG is used to evaluate electrical activity in the brain. A doctor may order it when someone is showing signs of epilepsy, a primary cause of seizures. Learn more about epilepsy and seizures.
MRI. An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. A healthcare professional may perform an MRI in order to identify brain irregularities or injuries.
CT scan. A CT scan creates clear, cross-sectional images of the brain. It can also reveal brain damage.
Ultrasound. A cranial ultrasound is a method of using high-frequency sound waves to get basic images of a young infant’s brain. It’s relatively quick and inexpensive. Learn more about ultrasounds.
Blood tests. A healthcare professional may take and test a sample of blood in order to rule out other possible conditions, such as bleeding disorders.
If a doctor confirms a cerebral palsy diagnosis, they may refer you or your child to a specialist who can test for neurological issues that are often associated with the condition. These tests may detect:
vision loss and impairment, such as blurred vision in one or both eyes
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