Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, posture and balance. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and can also affect speech, coordination and cognitive function.
Cerebral palsy occurs when the developing brain is injured or does not develop properly. Although CP does not worsen over time, its symptoms can change as a child grows.
At Banner Health, we provide comprehensive care for children and adults living with cerebral palsy. Our team includes neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, physical and occupational therapists and speech therapists who work together to improve mobility, independence and quality of life.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before or shortly after birth. The brain injury affects how the brain communicates with muscles.
CP can cause:
- Abnormal muscle tone (too stiff or too floppy)
- Poor coordination
- Difficulty walking
- Problems with balance
- Delays in motor development
Cerebral palsy is not contagious and is not progressive, meaning the brain injury itself does not get worse over time.
What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage that occurs during brain development. This damage may happen:
- Before birth
- During labor and delivery
- Shortly after birth
In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Risk factors for cerebral palsy
Certain factors may increase the risk of CP:
- Infections during pregnancy – Certain infections, such as rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Zika, can affect a baby’s developing brain and increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
- Premature birth – Babies born before 37 weeks are at higher risk because the brain is still developing and more vulnerable to injury.
- Low birth weight – Babies who weigh less than 5.5 pounds at birth have a higher risk of brain complications that may lead to CP.
- Lack of oxygen during birth (birth asphyxia) – If a baby does not receive enough oxygen during labor or delivery, it can cause brain injury.
- Brain injuries after birth – Serious head injuries, infections like meningitis or shaken baby syndrome can damage the developing brain.
- Multiple births – Twins, triplets or higher-order multiples have a greater risk of prematurity and related complications.
- Severe jaundice (kernicterus) – If untreated, high levels of bilirubin in a newborn’s blood can cause kernicterus, a type of brain damage that increases the risk of CP.
- Exposure to toxins during pregnancy – Alcohol, certain drugs or harmful environmental chemicals can interfere with brain development.
- Maternal health conditions – Conditions such as thyroid disease, high blood pressure or seizure disorders during pregnancy may increase risk.
Having risk factors does not mean a child will develop cerebral palsy.
Early signs of cerebral palsy
Symptoms of cerebral palsy often appear in infancy or early childhood. Early signs may include delays in developmental milestones.
Possible early signs in babies and toddlers
Delayed rolling, sitting, crawling or walking
- Stiff or floppy muscles
- Favoring one side of the body
- Poor head control
- Unusual posture
- Difficulty feeding or swallowing
- Abnormal reflexes
Parents who notice delays or unusual movements should speak with a health care provider. Early intervention can improve long-term outcomes.
Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy symptoms vary widely. Some individuals have mild movement difficulties, while others have more significant mobility challenges.
Common movement symptoms
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
- Muscle weakness (hypotonia)
- Uncontrolled or jerky movements
- Balance and coordination problems
- Abnormal walking patterns (toe walking, scissor gait or dragging one foot)
- Poor posture
Other possible symptoms
- Speech difficulties
- Swallowing problems
- Vision or hearing impairment
- Seizures (epilepsy affects 30% to 50% of people with CP)
- Chronic pain from muscle tightness or joint problems
- Learning or cognitive challenges
Because symptoms can overlap with other neurological conditions, proper evaluation is essential.
Types of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is categorized based on how it affects movement.
Spastic cerebral palsy
The most common type. Muscles are stiff due to increased muscle tone.
Subtypes include:
- Spastic diplegia – primarily affects the legs
- Spastic hemiplegia – affects one side of the body
- Spastic quadriplegia – affects all four limbs and may involve speech and swallowing problems
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy
Characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled movements.
Subtypes include:
- Athetoid CP – slow, twisting movements
- Dystonic CP – fluctuating muscle tone with twisting movements
- Choreiform CP – rapid, jerky movements
Ataxic cerebral palsy
Affects balance and coordination. Individuals may have shaky movements and difficulty with precise tasks.
Mixed cerebral palsy
Some individuals have symptoms from more than one type. The most common combination is spastic-dyskinetic CP.
Living with cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is lifelong, but many individuals lead fulfilling lives with proper support. Early therapy and ongoing rehabilitation can improve mobility, communication and independence.
Support may include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Assistive devices
- Seizure management
- Orthopedic care
- Behavioral and educational support
Next steps: Expert CP care at Banner Health
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes. If you are concerned about developmental delays or signs of cerebral palsy, speak with your provider.
Learn more about diagnosing cerebral palsy and the tests used to confirm a diagnosis.
Explore treatment options for cerebral palsy and how multidisciplinary care can support long-term function.
At Banner Health, we are committed to helping people with cerebral palsy achieve their highest level of independence and quality of life.
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