Home Children and Young People Cerebal Palsy – symptoms, causes and treatments

Cerebal Palsy – symptoms, causes and treatments

by Gemma Melling

Many people have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, but do you know what it is and what challenges people with the condition face?

Cerebal Palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. It’s caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or soon after birth.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

The symptoms of Cerebral Palsy are not usually obvious just after a baby is born. They normally become noticeable from an early age. Symptoms can include:-

  • delays in reaching development milestones – for example, not sitting by 8 months or not walking by 18 months
  • seeming too stiff or too floppy
  • weak arms or legs
  • fidgety, jerky or clumsy movements
  • random, uncontrolled movements
  • walking on tiptoes
  • a range of other problems – such as swallowing problems, speaking problems, vision problems and learning disabilities

Read more about the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

When to get medical advice

Speak to your health visitor or a GP if you have any concerns about your child’s health or development.

Symptoms like those of Cerebral Palsy can have a number of different causes and are not necessarily a sign of anything serious.

Your child may be referred to specialists in child development who can do some checks and tests.

Read more about tests for cerebral palsy

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy can happen if a baby’s brain does not develop normally while they’re in the womb, or is damaged during or soon after birth. Causes of Cerebral Palsy include:-

  • bleeding in the baby’s brain or reduced blood and oxygen supply to their brain
  • an infection caught during pregnancy
  • the brain temporarily not getting enough oxygen (asphyxiation) during a difficult birth
  • meningitis
  • a serious head injury

But in many cases, the exact cause is not clear.

Read more about the causes of cerebral palsy

 Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

Treatments are available to help people with the condition be as active and independent as possible.

Treatments include:-

  • physiotherapy– techniques such as exercise and stretching to help maintain physical ability and hopefully improve movement problems
  • speech therapy to help with speech and communication, and swallowing difficulties
  • occupational therapy– where a therapist identifies problems that you or your child have carrying out everyday tasks, and suggests ways to make these easier
  • medicine for muscle stiffness and other difficulties
  • in some cases, surgery to treat movement or growth problems

A team of healthcare professionals will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that meets your or your child’s needs.

Read more about treatments for Cerebral Palsy.

Outlook for cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy affects each person differently, but generally speaking:-

  • most children live into adult life and some can live for many decades
  • the condition may limit your child’s activities and independence, although many people go on to lead full, independent lives
  • many children go to a mainstream school, but some may have special educational needsand benefit from attending a special school
  • the original problem with the brain does not get worse over time, but the condition can put a lot of strain on the body and cause problems, such as painful joints, in later life
  • the daily challenges of living with Cerebral Palsy can be difficult to cope with, which can lead to problems such as clinical depression in some people

Help and support

If you or your child have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, you may find it useful to contact a support group for information and advice.

Scope is the main UK charity for people with Cerebral Palsy and their families. They offer:

In addition, the Council commissions Knowsley Disability Concern (KDC) to support families with Direct Payments which can include access to respite, short breaks and youth services.

  • Respite
  • Short Breaks Commissioned Services
  • Short Breaks Fund (subject to availability)
  • Youth Services (through Merseyside Youth Association)
  • Services that have received grants via short breaks

Further information can found on the Local Offer website.