Cerebral Palsy - What Happens

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

All people with cerebral palsy (CP) have some problems with body movement and posture, but many babies do not show signs of CP at birth. Parents and caregivers may notice the first signs of CP, such as the baby not rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking at the expected ages.

Signs of CP may become more obvious as the child grows. Some developmental problems may not appear until after a baby's first year. The brain injury that causes CP does not get worse over time, but its effects can appear, change, or become more severe as the child gets older.

The specific effects of CP depend on its type and severity, the level of mental impairment, and whether other complications develop or other medical conditions are present.

  • The type of CP present and how much of the body that is affected will determine a child's mobility.
    • Most people with CP have forms of spastic cerebral palsy. This can affect the whole body but may only affect parts of the body in some children. For example, a child with spastic cerebral palsy may develop symptoms mostly in one leg or one side of the body. Most children usually learn ways to accommodate for their handicaps. Some people can live on their own, and others live and work in situations that provide some level of assistance. When both legs are affected, children can move around with the help of a scooter board (a device used to self-propel while lying down), modified stroller, wheelchair, or other special equipment.
    • Total body cerebral palsy causes the most severe problems. Severe spastic CP and athetoid (dyskinetic) CP are types of total body CP. Many of those affected are not able to take care of themselves, either because of severe physical disabilities or mental retardation. But some people can live on their own with the help of family members and/or health care aides.
  • Complications, such as seizures, and other long-term physical effects of CP can be difficult to predict until a child is between 1 and 3 years of age. But sometimes such predictions are not possible until a child reaches school age when learning, communication skills, and other abilities can be measured. The amount of help and supervision needed depends on the number and severity of problems.
  • The severity of mental impairment, if any, is a strong predictor of daily functioning. About 75% of people with CP have some degree of cognitive impairment.2 About 60% have mental retardation (ranging from mild to severe), and the rest often function normally but have some type of learning disability.2
  • Other medical conditions, such as vision or hearing problems, are often associated with CP. Sometimes these conditions are known right away, and in other cases they are not detected until a child gets older.

Also, just like people with normal physical development, people with CP have social and emotional concerns throughout their lives. Because their physical limitations may add to these concerns, people with CP need the awareness and consideration of others.

Of all children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, 90% live to adulthood (beyond 20 years old).3 A more precise life expectancy can be estimated by evaluating the type of CP present, its severity, and the impact of any conditions that are often related to CP. Most adults with the mild or moderate form-and some with the severe form-live independently and have jobs. Opportunities for independent living and employment for adults with CP have improved. These opportunities are a result of better home support services and advances in technology, such as computers to assist with speech, powered wheelchairs, and other devices.

Author: Debby Golonka, MPHLast Updated: October 14, 2008
Medical Review: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics

1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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