Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects cognitive functions, movements, muscle control and balance. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and impacts a person’s ability to move freely and perform daily tasks. 

Banner Health provides expert care for children and adults with cerebral palsy. Our team of specialists, including neurologists, physical and occupational therapists and rehabilitation experts, offer personalized care to enhance quality of life. We are here to support you every step of the way.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects brain functions, muscle control due to damage to the developing brain. CP can cause problems with posture, walking (gait), muscle tone, balance and coordination. The condition doesn’t get worse over time, but symptoms can be different for each person.

What causes cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage. This can happen before, during or shortly after birth. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, there are things that can increase the risk, such as:

• Infections during pregnancy: Certain infections like rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (CMV) or the Zika virus can affect a baby’s brain development.
• Premature birth: Babies born too early are more likely to have CP.
• Lack of oxygen at birth: If a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen during birth, it can cause brain damage.
• Brain injuries: Head injuries, like shaken baby syndrome, can cause cerebral palsy.
• Multiple births: Having twins, triplets or more increases the risk.   
• Jaundice and kernicterus: It not treated, jaundice can cause kernicterus, a type of brain damage that raises the risk of CP.
• Exposure to toxins: Drugs, alcohol or chemicals (environmental toxins) can affect brain development.
• Maternal health conditions: Certain health conditions in pregnant people, such as thyroid problems, high blood pressure or seizures, can raise the risk.

Signs of cerebral palsy

The signs of CP can be different for everyone. Some individuals may have mild movement problems, while others may have more serious challenges. Symptoms usually show up when a baby is young and get more noticeable as they grow. 

Common movement symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness or weakness: Muscles may be stiff and rigid (spastic) or weak and floppy (hypotonic). 
• Uncontrolled movements: Jerky or twisting motions that can’t be controlled.
• Balance and coordination issues: Trouble walking, standing or using fine motor skills like buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil.
• Abnormal posture: Difficulty holding the body in a stable position. 
• Abnormal walking patterns: Some children may walk on their toes, with their knees crossed (scissor walk) or with one foot dragging.

Other possible symptoms:

• Delayed milestones: Some children with CP may reach certain developmental milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling or walking later than expected.
• Speech and swallowing difficulties: Trouble speaking clearly or swallowing food.
• Vision or hearing problems: Some children may have trouble seeing or hearing.
• Seizures: About 30% to 50% of people with CP have epilepsy.
• Chronic pain: Muscle tightness and joint problems can cause discomfort.

Types of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy affects movement in different ways. There are four main types:

1. Spastic cerebral palsy: The most common type. Spastic CP causes stiff muscles due to increased muscle tone. It is usually described by which parts of the body are affected:
   • Spastic diplegia: Mostly affects the legs, making walking hard.
   • Spastic hemiplegia: Affects one side of the body (one arm and one leg).
   • Spastic quadriplegia: Affects all four limbs and can make movement difficult. It sometimes includes speech and swallowing problems.
2. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: This type causes involuntary, uncontrolled, jerky movements. People with dyskinetic CP have problems controlling the movement of their hands, arms, feet and legs. The subtypes include:
   • Athetoid CP: Slow, twisting movements, making sitting or holding objects hard.
   • Dystonic CP: Muscle tone changes, causing sudden twisting or repetitive movements.
   • Choreiform CP: Quick, jerky movements that occur randomly.
3. Ataxic cerebral palsy: This type affects balance and coordination, leading to shaky movements. It can make activities like writing, buttoning clothes and handling small objects difficult. Ataxic CP can also cause unsteady walking. 
4. Mixed cerebral palsy: Some people have a combination of symptoms from different types of CP. The most common mixed type is spastic-dyskinetic CP, where individuals experience both stiff muscles and involuntary movements.

Next steps: Get expert CP care at Banner Health

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve a person’s quality of life. Learn more about diagnosing CP and what tests can help confirm a diagnosis.