Cerebral Palsy Information | Causes, Symptoms & Care

Cerebral palsy definition and meaning

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological movement disorders that can affect posture, coordination, muscle tone, and how a person moves. These challenges can range from mild to severe and differ from one individual to another.

The term “cerebral” refers to the brain, while “palsy” describes a lack of muscle control. CP is typically the result of brain damage, often occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. However, it’s not always diagnosed immediately; it’s common for symptoms to become more noticeable during a child’s first or second year.

Because the severity and type of cerebral palsy can vary so widely, the effects on the body also differ. In mild cases, a child may have a slight limp or subtle motor difficulties. In more severe cases, CP can lead to significant physical disabilities and impact overall development.

While cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition and has no known cure, fortunately it does not worsen over time. Early support, therapy, and medical care can make a significant difference.

CP can present a significant financial burden on families of those affected, with estimates for lifelong care up to $1.7 million. If your child has been diagnosed with CP, it’s important to find out if you’re entitled to an award to improve their wellbeing.

The Cerebral Palsy Center works only with lawyers who specialize in birth injury lawsuits, and have handled thousands of cases nationwide. Contact us today to speak directly with a lawyer.

Find out today if you qualify for a case that may provide substantial help to your child.

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Early signs of cerebral palsy?

Infants affected by cerebral palsy can have trouble with balance, muscle control and coordination. This may be displayed with certain early behavior or symptoms of cerebral palsy.

Delays in reaching key developmental milestones are often some of the first signs of cerebral palsy. These include rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking.

In addition, early cerebral palsy may cause babies to:

Exhibit unusual posture
Show stiff or floppy movement
Favor the right or left side of the body
Have trouble swallowing or feeding.

Other early signs of cerebral palsy that are noticeable to parents involve delayed motor skills, like struggling to bring hands to their mouth or grasping objects.

Finally, babies that have difficulty focusing their vision, who display extraordinary fussiness, or who have decreased reflexes may be exhibiting early signs of cerebral palsy.

While these types of delays in development don’t always mean a child has cerebral palsy, they are important signs that may warrant a closer medical evaluation.

If you have concerns about your child’s rate of development, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The patient advocates and nurses at Cerebral Palsy Center are available 24/7 to discuss your child’s condition and offer assistance. Contact us today for a free and confidential evaluation.

Latest cerebral palsy facts

Updated May 3, 2025

Our goal is to provide the latest information on cerebral palsy. Below are some common facts regarding cerebral palsy.

CP occurs more often in boys than girls.
A person’s CP condition doesn’t worsen over time.
The risk of CP is greatly increased by premature birth and low birth weight.
More than 75% of children with CP experience speech and language disorders.
Cerebral palsy is the most common movement disorder among children in the U.S.
Cerebral palsy affects around 1 in every 340 children born.
The majority of children with cerebral palsy are able to walk on their own.
Most CP cases are present at birth, but not detected for up to 2 years.
Nearly half of people with CP are affected by epileptic seizures.
African-American children are affected with CP more often than other races.
The most common type of CP (from 75-85% of cases) is Spastic cerebral palsy.
Almost half of children with CP have some degree of decreased cognitive function.

Signs of cerebral palsy in babies and newborns

Cerebral palsy symptoms in babies can lead to a range of physical and neurological challenges that impact early development.

Because every child is different, symptoms may vary depending on the location, type and extent of brain injury. Discover the early signs of CP and what to watch for below.

Physical symptoms of cerebral palsy

Common signs of cerebral palsy include challenges with balance and posture, involuntary movements, muscle stiffness and poor coordination.

Physical symptoms of cerebral palsy often include:

Tightening or stiffness of muscles
Involuntary movements
Soft muscle tone
Difficulty swallowing or sucking
Drooling
Movement difficulties on one side of the body
Reflexes that are exaggerated or jerky
Gastrointestinal issues affecting digestion
Incontinence (loss of bladder control)
Lack of balance or coordination
Problems with movement on one side of the body.

If you recognize any of these symptoms, consult with your child’s doctor.

Neurological symptoms of cerebral palsy

These symptoms are related to the nervous system and brain, and can result in communication, sensory and learning problems.

Neurological symptoms of cerebral palsy include:

Speech and language impairment
Increased pressure in the brain due to excess fluid (hydrocephalus)
Hearing and vision difficulties
Delays in motor skill development
Sensory limitations
Abnormal behavior.

If you detect any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to speak with their pediatrician.

early signs of cerebral palsy in newborns

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When to talk to a doctor about cerebral palsy signs

If you suspect your child may be exhibiting signs of cerebral palsy, you should contact their doctor as soon as possible. The following are concerning signs by age:

For babies under six months of age, concerning signs include:

Poor head control head while on their back or when they are picked up
Tightened (contracted) muscles
Soft or weak muscles
Your child scissors (crosses) their legs when picked up
Your baby regularly pushes away from you.

From 6-10 months of age, concerning signs include:

Your child is unable to roll over
Baby isn’t able to bring their hands together
Trouble touching their hands to their mouth
Reaching out with one hand while keeping the other in a fist.

Concerns for babies over 10 months old include:

Your baby crawls primarily using one side hand and leg
Your child drags hands or limbs when crawling or crawls crooked
Baby slides on buttocks or hops onto their knees instead of crawling on all fours.

What causes cerebral palsy in children?

Cerebral palsy may be caused by a number of different factors that interfere with brain development.

These causes and type of cerebral palsy suffered are typically classified as either Congenital or Acquired.

Congenital (about 85-90% of all cases) refers to brain damage that occurs before, during or just after birth. Acquired cerebral palsy is due to brain damage that occurs more than 28 days after birth.

Some of the most common risk factors and causes of cerebral palsy include:

Premature birth: children born before 37 weeks are at risk, with those born before 32 weeks at the highest risk
Low birth weight: babies born weighing less than 5lbs 8 oz are at risk, as they have a greater likelihood of underdeveloped organs
Injury from delivery: tools used in prolonged labor, like vacuums and forceps, can cause head trauma or restrict oxygen to the brain if not used correctly.
Lack of oxygen to the brain: delivery complications like delayed birth or umbilical cord wrapping can cause a restriction of oxygen leading to brain damage
Multiple births: babies born as twins, triplets or more often have lower birth weight and are born prematurely
Kernicterus: a rare brain damage that can result from untreated jaundice
Infections during pregnancy: can lead to fetal inflammation and brain damage
Periventricular leukomalacia: a specific damage to white matter brain tissue from lack of oxygen
Infertility treatment: cause a higher risk of multiple births or low birth weight
Prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol

Cerebral palsy caused by medical mistakes

Sadly, many cases of cerebral palsy (CP) are caused by preventable birth injuries resulting from medical malpractice. This occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected during labor and delivery.

Some of the medical mistakes that can result in cerebral palsy include:

Ignoring abnormal fetal heart rate patterns
Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
Mishandling a collapsed umbilical cord, which can cut off oxygen to the infant
Delaying or failing to perform a necessary cesarean section (C-section)
Not detecting or properly treating infections during pregnancy or delivery.

Doctors and hospital staff receive years of expert training in order to act quickly and carefully to protect both mother and infant. When that care falls short and causes harm to a child, their insurance coverage should be held accountable for the damages.

Very often, parents don’t receive a full explanation of what mistakes caused their child’s injury, or doctors evade questions about negligence.

Therefore, if you suspect a mistake was made that caused your child’s cerebral palsy, it is important to speak with a qualified birth injury lawyer.

The Cerebral Palsy Center has qualified lawyers on staff that can discuss your case today at no cost. We’ll answer your questions and secure records to fully investigate what happened. If it’s found that mistakes were made, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your child.

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How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?

Although a child may show signs of cerebral palsy as early as 6 months of age, doctors follow a process of developmental and medical testing to form a definitive cerebral palsy diagnosis.

Since many of these evaluations track a child’s developmental milestones, it usually takes between the ages of 18 months and 5 years to properly make a diagnosis.

Below are some of the methods used to diagnose CP.

Developmental monitoring

Developmental monitoring is an important part of well-child visits, especially for children at higher risk of cerebral palsy due to factors like low birth weight or premature birth.

During these checkups, doctors track your child’s growth, observe their movements, and discuss any concerns you may have. If CP is suspected, your child’s development will be closely monitored over time to identify delays or signs of motor issues.

Developmental screening

These quick tests can identify potential delays in your child's motor skills or overall development. They typically involve short assessments conducted by a healthcare provider or simple questionnaires completed by parents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screenings at 9 months, 18 months, and 24-30 months to catch developmental delays early. If concerns emerge during a screening, your pediatrician may refer your child for further evaluation.

Early screening leads to earlier support. If you have any concerns about your child's development, talk with your pediatrician today.

Developmental evaluations

Developmental evaluations are thorough assessments designed to pinpoint the specific developmental disorder affecting your child.

These are typically conducted by cerebral palsy specialists such as pediatric rehabilitation experts, developmental pediatricians or pediatric neurologists.

During this evaluation, experts will discuss your child's detailed medical history, then carefully assess your child's motor skills, muscle tone, posture, movements, and reflexes.

Medical evaluations

Specialized medical evaluations can provide clearer results than initial screenings. These assessments help doctors accurately diagnose cerebral palsy and rule out other possible conditions.

Some of the imaging tests frequently used to diagnose cerebral palsy include:

Cranial ultrasounds
Computed tomography (CT) scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
Electroencephalograms (EEG).

In addition, doctors may also request other medical testing to confirm a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. These tests may include:

Hearing & vision tests
Cognitive functioning tests
Genetic or metabolic testing
Speech and language tests
Oral tests that measure feeding and swallowing
Neurological muscle & nerve tests
Gait testing.

A combination of the above are often used to arrive at a clear diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Identifying the specific type of CP can be as important as early detection to effectively manage your child's condition.

Can you prevent cerebral palsy?

At present, we don’t understand enough about the brain damage that causes cerebral palsy to prevent it. However, there are steps expectant mothers can take to try to limit the risk factors.

Mothers may reduce the risks of cerebral palsy by:

Completing all scheduled pre-natal visits and testing
Avoiding tobacco, alcohol and drugs that may cause pregnancy complications
Prioritizing health through proper diet and activities
Monitoring for high blood pressure and diabetes
Early identification of conditions that can lead to anemia or jaundice
Guarding against exposure to infections or viruses that harm fetal health
Working with doctors to minimize preterm delivery
Protecting newborns from injury
Keeping medications out of reach from infants
Monitor closely for jaundice.

Doctors and hospital staff are specially trained to monitor for signs of fetal distress before and during delivery. However, mistakes can be made that have long-term effects.

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What are the types of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is generally classified into 5 main types, depending on which area of the brain is damaged, the severity of the damage, and the parts of the body or movement affected.

The main types of cerebral palsy are:

Spastic cerebral palsy: Accounting for about 80% of all cases, this is the most common type of cerebral palsy. Spastic CP is caused by damage to the brain’s motor cortex and characterized by stiff muscles and awkward or jerking movement.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: Caused by damage to the brain’s cerebellum, Ataxic cerebral palsy can affect a child’s balance, motor control and depth perception. Many people who live with this type of CP experience instability and difficulty performing precise tasks.
Athetoid/dyskinetic cerebral palsy: This type of CP is characterized by difficulty controlling hand, arm, feet, leg, face or tongue movements. It is caused by damage to the basal ganglia or cerebellum. Fortunately, dyskinetic CP usually has no effect on a child’s cognitive development.
Hypotonic cerebral palsy: The rarest cerebral palsy, hypotonic is also caused by damage to the cerebellum. It is usually characterized by floppy muscles, motor delays, speech & feeding issues, and/or poor mobility.
Mixed cerebral palsy: This type is caused by damage to several areas of the brain, and can cause symptoms of two or three different types of CP. Each case of mixed CP is unique.

Through screening and medical testing, doctors can usually determine which type of cerebral palsy a child has within the first 2-5 years. The CDC recommends testing as soon as possible in order to begin effective treatment and maximize benefits.

Other conditions associated with cerebral palsy

The brain injuries that lead to cerebral palsy can also cause other related conditions, sometimes referred to as comorbidities. Fortunately, most of these associated conditions can be managed with proper treatment.

Some of the disorders that may develop with cerebral palsy include:

Epilepsy
Speech problems
Spectrum disorders like autism
Vision or hearing impairments
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Chronic pain syndromes
Learning disabilities
Mental health disorders.

It’s important for children with cerebral palsy to be properly screened for coexisting conditions like these to ensure they’re receiving the most complete care necessary.

What is my child’s prognosis from cerebral palsy?

After your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it’s natural to ask - what will be the likely outcome for their condition, and quality of life in general?

While cerebral palsy can present a number of physical and cognitive limitations, rest assured that the condition doesn’t generally worsen over time and doesn’t affect life expectancy. In fact, many can live full and rewarding lives while dealing with cerebral palsy.

Similar to the screenings and medical testing needed to diagnose cerebral palsy, doctors will measure a child’s reflexes, motor skills, and whether they reach certain developmental milestones, in order to determine their cerebral palsy prognosis.

Depending on these examinations, your child’s doctor will offer a prognosis for their cerebral palsy, and specifically the limitations you should expect. These often include:

Epileptic seizures
Learning and intellectual disabilities
Speech, vision or hearing impairment
Trouble eating and swallowing
Limitations on movement and mobility
Musculoskeletal disorders
Respiratory problems.

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, around 25% of children with cerebral palsy will suffer from epilepsy, 33% will have limited mobility, and 50% are likely to have a learning disability. Depending on your child’s cerebral palsy prognosis, a treatment and therapy plan can be customized to best manage their symptoms.

Cerebral palsy treatment

Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, treatment of the condition can be especially effective at managing symptoms and optimizing a child’s daily quality of life as they grow older.

A thorough cerebral palsy treatment plan will typically focus on a patient’s mobility, muscle control and ability to independently perform daily activities.

Is there a cure for cerebral palsy?

At this time there is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, providers can design a treatment plan that enhances mobility, motor skills, independence and quality of life.

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Cerebral palsy treatment plans are designed by your child’s doctor, and often use a combination of the following:

Therapy
Medication
Assistive devices
Mobility Aids
Surgery.

Each treatment plan is unique to the child’s needs and will combine a specific mix of these tools depending on the severity and type of their condition.

As with early detection, it is essential start a cerebral palsy treatment plan as early as possible to foster brain development and overcome difficulties related to movement and mobility.

Managing symptoms proactively from an early age can substantially ease future mobility challenges.

Learn more about these treatment options below, and discover how they can support your child’s journey toward greater independence.

Therapy for cerebral palsy

Therapy can be especially helpful to children diagnosed with CP to help strengthen muscles, improve fine motor skills, and uncover creative strategies to boost their independence.

Skilled therapists may also support children with cerebral palsy who face cognitive challenges, helping them grow emotionally and mentally.

Several effective therapies are available to improve your child's movement, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life.

Here are four types of therapy commonly used for cerebral palsy

Physical Therapy: Helps manage and relieve muscle stiffness, weakness, limited movement, and tremors. It’s a crucial step for developing motor abilities and endurance.

PT often targets tasks to enhance independence like walking, wheelchair use and transferring from wheelchairs to vehicles, tub/shower or toilet. Physical therapists can also recommend the latest assistive devices.
Speech & Language Therapy: Among people with CP, 25% suffer speech difficulty and 4% have hearing loss. Speech therapists use specific exercises to help children’s brains adapt to pronouncing and understanding words, numbers, sounds and gestures.

This therapy can also benefit those with swallowing and breathing problems. Studies show the ability to communicate is central to overall well-being.
Occupational Therapy: This therapy focuses on enhancing independence with daily tasks related to self-care, attending school or work, and communicating with others. Much of the training involves using tools and mobility aids or communicating with others.
‍
Some examples of occupational therapy for children with cerebral palsy include using a keyboard, turning book pages, using keys, turning doorknobs and writing/drawing/painting.
Recreational Therapy: Recreational therapy promotes motor function much like physical therapy, but with a focus on activities that are fun or get a child outside. Some examples are swimming, basketball, horseback riding, surfing and artistry.

Activities like these, if properly adapted and supervised, have been shown to provide huge benefits to a child’s overall mood and quality of life.

Medications used to treat cerebral palsy

Although there are no medications to treat the underlying condition of CP, there are several medications used to treat cerebral palsy symptoms.

Below are 5 of the medication types most commonly used to help CP patients:

Pain relievers
‍- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Injections for Spasticity
‍Botulinum toxin (Botox) can be used to reduce muscle contractions, which can relieve pain and stiffness. This has also been shown to improve motor function and range of motion. Typically requires treatment every few months.
Oral muscle relaxants
‍Another good method to reduce muscle spasticity. Some of the options include:
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
- Baclofen (can also be used with a spinal implant pump for longer relief)
- Dantrolene sodium
- Diazepam.
Anticholinergics
These medications block the effects of a neurotransmitter in the body and can help manage tremors and involuntary movements in those with CP or Parkinson’s. Some types are:
- Benztropine
- Trihexyphenidyl.
Anti-seizure medications
Nearly 25% of children with cerebral palsy are at risk for seizures. Therefore, depending on the type they are afflicted with, doctors may prescribe a range of medications, including:
- Lamictal
- Trileptal
- Carbamazepine
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Depakote.

The cerebral palsy medications prescribed by your child’s doctor will be formulated for their unique symptoms and severity.

Assistive devices for cerebral palsy

These specialized devices use technology to ease the tasks related to learning, communication and sensory detection in children with cerebral palsy. They can be a tremendous resource as children grow and adapt to independent life, or eventually enter the workforce.

Some of the commonly used assistive devices for cerebral palsy are:

Voice Synthesizers: Voice output communication aids (VOCAs) can improve a child’s ability to communicate.
Hearing Assistance: Hearing aids, cochlear implants and telephone amplifiers enhance hearing abilities.
Communication Boards: Allow children to choose letters, words, phrases, photos or symbols on a screen to verbally express themselves.
Computers and Software: Many operating systems, apps and websites now contain adaptive capabilities.
Eye-tracking devices: Functions like a computer mouse to allow users to select images or symbols with eye contact.
Vision Aids: Glasses, magnifiers, and large-print materials.

Fortunately, the technology behind assistive devices is constantly improving. Children with cerebral palsy are now equipped with more tools than ever to help with communication, independence and enjoyment of daily life.

Cerebral palsy mobility aids

Mobility Aids are designed to help children with cerebral palsy gain independence by allowing movement around the home, school or while away from home. These can be a great benefit to a child’s quality of life.

Depending on a child’s limitations, mobility aids may focus on allowing them to stand or walk more freely, or be a substitute for walking altogether.

Some of the common mobility aids prescribed for children with cerebral palsy include:

Muscle ablation to relieve tightness
Dorsal rhizotomy to limit nerve signals
Bone abnormality correction
Foot deformity correction
Spinal abnormality correction
Joint and tendon repair
Hip repair.

For many people dealing with cerebral palsy, these surgical procedures can provide a more permanent treatment for symptoms than ongoing therapy and medications.

Surgery for cerebral palsy

Some children with cerebral palsy may benefit from surgery. This is usually considered only after less-invasive treatments like therapy and medication have failed.

Most cerebral palsy surgeries focus on relieving the issues of tight muscles (spasticity), managing uncontrollable movement, or correcting abnormalities.

These may consist of orthopedic surgery (bone, joint, tendon & muscle) or nerve surgery. Some of the options available to treat cerebral palsy include:

Muscle ablation to relieve tightness
Dorsal rhizotomy to limit nerve signals
Bone abnormality correction
Foot deformity correction
Spinal abnormality correction
Joint and tendon repair
Mental health disorders.

For many people dealing with cerebral palsy, these surgical procedures can provide a more permanent treatment for symptoms than ongoing therapy and medications.

Help for your child’s treatment

A cerebral palsy lawsuit may provide valuable financial compensation for your child.

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Experimental & alternative treatments for cerebral palsy

Research into cerebral palsy (CP) treatment is advancing rapidly. While the U.S. FDA has not approved any alternative therapies for cerebral palsy to date, emerging technologies bring promise that more effective treatment is on the horizon.

Below are some examples of the latest breakthroughs and ongoing studies for CP:

Stem cell treatment

Clinical trials currently examine whether stem cell infusions can safely repair damaged brain tissues in children with CP, offering promising new avenues for treatment. New stem cell harvesting methods open up more research opportunities.

Cold therapy

Researchers are studying whether systemic hypothermia, which involves safely lowering the body’s core temperature, may be effective in protecting the brain from injury and potentially reducing the risk of developing CP.

DNA & genetic research

Genetic studies are unlocking deeper insights into the underlying causes of cerebral palsy. By analyzing DNA, researchers can identify genetic risk factors and develop tailored treatments, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

Restorative therapies

Restorative therapies significantly improve daily living, mobility, and strength for individuals with cerebral palsy.

Key therapies currently under investigation for CP include:

Functional Electrical Stimulation: Electrical currents applied therapeutically to strengthen muscles and enhance mobility.
Robotic-Assisted Therapy: Innovative robotic tools that enhance treadmill-based rehabilitation.
Constraint-Induced Therapy: Intensive activity therapies aimed at significantly improving motor skills.

Brain injury research

Studies focusing on brain development and injury are critical to understanding and potentially preventing cerebral palsy. Two major areas include:

White Matter Injury Studies: Investigating the impact of brain chemicals on the development of periventricular white matter, a primary cause of CP.
Brain Injury Mapping: Exploring events such as seizures or brain hemorrhages in newborns to identify neurochemical pathways and develop preventative medications.

Biomarkers and neuroimaging

Advanced imaging technologies help researchers predict CP risk in premature infants and accurately map brain function. These breakthroughs may soon enable earlier interventions and personalized care strategies.

Emerging treatment innovations

New and evolving treatments are continuously improving symptom management, significantly boosting quality of life for individuals living with CP.

Current innovative research includes:

Botox Treatments: Investigating the long-term impacts of Botox on bone density and overall health in children with CP.
Vibration Therapy: Measuring the effects on bone structure and muscle spasticity by joining Botox injections with vibration therapy.

Much of this research is driven by leading organizations such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

These ongoing efforts represent exciting possibilities for new cerebral palsy treatments, offering renewed hope and improved daily life for children recently diagnosed.

Living with cerebral palsy

After the initial focus on your child’s diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, your thoughts as a parent will no doubt turn to how will your child and family live with cerebral palsy?

While cerebral palsy can present unique challenges for any family, it can also bring a renewed focus on love, resilience and priorities.

First, it’s important to understand that while each child with cerebral palsy will face challenges, many types do not affect their lifespan and none of the types of CP worsen over time.

People living with cerebral palsy frequently find creative approaches to engage in activities, reach their goals, and make valuable contributions to their communities.

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” -Jimmy Dean

An early focus of living with cerebral palsy will be optimizing your child’s comfort and mobility. This includes transportation issues, sleeping adaptations, mobility and assistive devices.

It’s also important to seek out activities and exercise habits that match your child’s capabilities. These can offer significant advantages to their physical and mental health that will persist into adulthood.

Next, you’ll learn about the special needs of your child for meal preparation, feeding, drinking and snacks. As many children with CP benefit from a healthy diet of whole foods, this can also inspire better nutrition for the entire family.

While many children with cerebral palsy face communication challenges, the evolving technology of assistive devices offers continual promise to overcome these barriers. As a parent you can encourage early adoption of communication aids and stay informed about the latest technology available to your child.

At the earliest opportunity, it’s important to establish an education plan that matches your child’s cognitive ability. In addition to specialized learning centers in many areas, there are great resources for home learning.

It is essential that you develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with the help of professionals in order to manage their education path. In doing so, parents should encourage their child’s inclusion in general education classes whenever possible.

Starting and maintaining a learning plan will have a positive effect on your child’s development, independence, adaptability and transition into adult life.

Finally, parents should set goals for their child’s transition into adulthood. While cerebral palsy presents many challenges in the teenage years, many can look forward to continuing their education into college or vocational school. They can also begin thinking of a career path that fits within their limitations.

By encouraging your child to develop as much independence as possible with personal hygiene habits, eating, dressing and learning, you can give them a boost towards their transition into adult life.

What are the costs of living with cerebral palsy?

An important consideration for families just starting their child’s journey with cerebral palsy are the related costs. Providing the best treatment and quality of life for your child can be expensive.

Cerebral palsy can cause a substantial financial burden on families of those affected. Some of the most common costs associated with CP include:

Therapy & medical treatment
Medication
Education
Assistive & mobility devices
Transportation
Lost earnings or caregiver costs.

Studies estimate that the cost to a family for lifelong care of a child with cerebral palsy can be up to $1.7 million.

While health insurance, government programs, grants, community organizations, and charity may contribute to some of these costs, there is usually a shortfall that must be covered by the family itself.

For that reason, it’s important to explore all of the financial support available to families affected by cerebral palsy.

In many cases, a child’s injury can be traced back to a mistake made by doctors or hospital staff. These professionals and facilities are insured to help compensate victims for this very reason.

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may be entitled to a substantial award to help with their care. Our network of lawyers have helped thousands of families and recovered billions on their behalf.

Contact us today to speak directly with a lawyer.

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What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder caused by brain injury or incomplete brain development. It can affect posture, coordination, muscle tone, and movement. In severe cases it can also affect speech, hearing and cognitive functioning.

Can cerebral palsy be prevented?

While we don’t know enough about the causes of brain damage to prevent CP, there are steps mothers can take to limit the risk factors. These include prioritizing prenatal health and medical visits, avoiding drugs & alcohol, guarding against viruses, minimizing risks for preterm delivery and monitoring for jaundice.

What is the life expectancy of a person with cerebral palsy?

Most people who develop cerebral palsy have a comparable life expectancy to other individuals. And, with advancing technologies in treatment and assistive devices, those with CP can enjoy a rewarding quality of life.

Does cerebral palsy worsen over time?

The brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy does not worsen over time. In most cases, early detection will allow effective management of CP symptoms so that they become less burdensome into adulthood.

What are signs of cerebral palsy in infants?

Some early signs of cerebral palsy in infants include:

Unusual posture
Muscle stiffness or floppy movement
Favoring one side of the body
Trouble feeding or swallowing
Difficulty focusing vision
Delays in rolling over, sitting up or crawling.

What causes cerebral palsy?

Most cases of cerebral palsy are caused by injury to an infant’s brain before, during or just after delivery. Some of the risk factors include medical mistakes causing delayed birth or brain trauma, infections, premature birth, untreated jaundice, lack of oxygen to the brain and prenatal exposure to toxins.

Can cerebral palsy be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, the condition doesn’t worsen over time, and through early detection, therapy, and medical treatment, the symptoms can be more effectively managed.

What is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?

Experts are currently studying many alternative treatment options for cerebral palsy. For now, the best treatment is a customized combination of physical therapy, communication therapy, occupational therapy, medication, surgery and adaptation with assistive devices.

Can a person with cerebral palsy walk?

Yes, approximately 66% of those with cerebral palsy are able to walk. Many of these can do so without aid while some may require certain assistive or mobility aids.

Can a child with cerebral palsy talk?

Yes, approximately 75% of those with cerebral palsy are able to speak. Even with speech and hearing limitations, assistive technology now makes communication possible for many others.

Does stem cell therapy work for cerebral palsy?

Experts are hopeful that stem cell therapy may someday hold the key to repairing damaged brain tissue that causes conditions like cerebral palsy. However, research is still ongoing and an approved method is not yet available.

Sources

Critical Cerebral Palsy Statistics Unraveled. MasterMind Behavior. (March 3, 2025).

Retrieved from: www.mastermindbehavior.com

Cerebral palsy and sex differences in children: A narrative review of the literature

Retrieved from: www.nih.gov

Yang, J., et al. Cerebral Palsy in Children. American Academy of Pediatrics. (March 15, 2023).

Retrieved from: www.healthychildren.org

Medically reviewed by:

Kelsey Pabst, Registered Nurse

Kelsey is an experienced surgical nurse with more than 10 years in hospital-based care, including leadership within the operating room. She has worked extensively with pediatric patients, refining her ability to support children and families during critical moments. As both a mentor and patient advocate, Kelsey is dedicated to promoting safety, communication, and compassionate care while helping families understand medical procedures, treatment options, and the realities surrounding birth injuries and pediatric conditions.

Written by:

Cerebral Palsy Center

Our nurses, patient advocates and legal experts are solely focused on bringing you the latest cerebral palsy information, options for financial assistance and access to community support.

Editorial process

Last modified:

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Created on:

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

What is Cerebral Palsy? Definition, Signs & Symptoms

Cerebral palsy definition and meaning

Early signs of cerebral palsy?

Latest cerebral palsy facts

Signs of cerebral palsy in babies and newborns

Physical symptoms of cerebral palsy

Neurological symptoms of cerebral palsy

When to talk to a doctor about cerebral palsy signs

What causes cerebral palsy in children?

Cerebral palsy caused by medical mistakes

How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?

Developmental monitoring

Developmental screening

Developmental evaluations

Medical evaluations

Can you prevent cerebral palsy?

What are the types of cerebral palsy?

Other conditions associated with cerebral palsy

What is my child’s prognosis from cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy treatment

Therapy for cerebral palsy

Medications used to treat cerebral palsy

Assistive devices for cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy mobility aids

Surgery for cerebral palsy

Experimental & alternative treatments for cerebral palsy

Stem cell treatment

Cold therapy

DNA & genetic research

Restorative therapies

Brain injury research

Biomarkers and neuroimaging

Emerging treatment innovations

Living with cerebral palsy

What are the costs of living with cerebral palsy?

Your Legal Options

What is cerebral palsy?

Can cerebral palsy be prevented?

What is the life expectancy of a person with cerebral palsy?

Does cerebral palsy worsen over time?

What are signs of cerebral palsy in infants?

What causes cerebral palsy?

Can cerebral palsy be cured?

What is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?

Can a person with cerebral palsy walk?

Can a child with cerebral palsy talk?

Does stem cell therapy work for cerebral palsy?