What is Cerebral Palsy? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Quality Care Global

8 min read

What is cerebral palsy

Are you a parent of a child with cerebral palsy? You may have countless questions about your child's future, treatment options, and how to support them in their journey. While cerebral palsy presents challenges, it’s important to know that with the right care and information, your child can lead a fulfilling life.

In this blog, we’ll explore what cerebral palsy is, how it affects your child, and the steps you can take to ensure they receive the best possible care and support.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disability, that affects 1.5 to 2.5 out of every 1000 live births. It is a neurological disorder that affects your child’s movement, muscle tone, and posture. The term “cerebral” relates to the brain, and “palsy” refers to weakness or difficulty using muscles.

CP arises from damage to the brain's areas responsible for muscle control, usually due to abnormal brain development or injury during fetal development, birth, or early childhood. This condition is non-progressive, meaning it does not worsen over time, though symptoms may change as a child grows.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) appears in different forms depending on which area of the brain is affected. Here’s a quick breakdown of the four main types:

Spastic CP

The most common type, which affects about 80% of children with CP. It causes stiff, tight muscles and jerky movements. It has three main forms:

  • Spastic Diplegia/Diparesis: Primarily affects the legs, often causing difficulty walking and “scissoring” at the knees.

  • Spastic Hemiplegia/Hemiparesis: Primarily affects one side, with the arm often more affected than the leg, causing balance problems.

  • Spastic Quadriplegia/Quadriparesis: The most severe, affecting all four limbs and the face. Children may require help with daily activities and may also have seizures or speech, vision, or hearing issues.

Dyskinetic CP

It is characterized by uncontrolled, twisting, or jerky movements as muscle tone fluctuates. It affects the limbs and sometimes the face, making activities like speaking and swallowing difficult.

Ataxic CP

It causes coordination and balance issues, leading to shaky movements and difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, like writing.

Mixed CP

It is a combination of types, usually spastic-dyskinetic CP, where children experience both tight muscles and involuntary movements.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects each child in different ways. Some kids may have mild symptoms, like a little trouble walking, while others may need special help with everyday tasks. These symptoms usually become noticeable early in life.

Here’s what you might observe as a parent:

In babies younger than 6 months

  • Head lags when picked up

  • Muscles feel stiff or floppy

  • Arches back or neck when held

  • Legs cross or scissor when picked up

In babies older than 6 months

  • Doesn’t roll over

  • Struggles to bring hands together or to mouth

  • Reaches with one hand while the other hand stays fisted

In babies older than 10 months

  • Crawls unevenly or drags one side of the body

  • Scoots or hops on knees instead of crawling

Some other symptoms as the child grows are:

  • Difficulty with balance and walking

  • Muscle stiffness or floppiness

  • Trouble with coordination (e.g., writing, buttoning a shirt)

  • Jerky or random movements

  • Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or seeing

  • Possible learning delays

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to speak to a doctor for early evaluation and support.

Causes of cerebral palsy

CP occurs because of brain damage or abnormal brain development. This can occur before birth (prenatal), during birth (perinatal), or shortly after birth (postnatal). Here are some of the main causes of CP:

Prenatal causes

  • Brain malformations before birth

  • Maternal Infections like herpes, rubella, or Zika virus

  • Intrauterine stroke, which can block blood flow to the baby’s brain

  • Reduced flow of oxygen and blood to the baby’s brain

  • Chromosomal abnormalities or genetic problems

Perinatal causes

  • Complications in delivery, such as asphyxia (lack of oxygen), head injury, or umbilical cord problems

  • Bleeding into the baby’s brain, often from blocked blood vessels

Postnatal causes

  • Infections like meningitis (swelling around the brain) and viral encephalitis (brain swelling)

  • Head injuries due to serious accidents or trauma in early infancy

  • Kernicterus (severe jaundice) can cause brain damage if not treated

Around 80% of CP cases are caused by prenatal events, while postnatal factors contribute to about 10% of cases.

Risk factors for cerebral palsy

Risk factors for cerebral palsy include several factors that can increase the chances of a child developing the condition. While these factors don’t guarantee CP, they raise the risk.

Key risk factors include:

  • Premature birth, especially before 32 weeks

  • Low birth weight, particularly under 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams)

  • Multiple births, especially if one or more babies don’t survive

  • Assisted reproductive technology (ART), which can lead to premature or multiple pregnancies

  • Health issues in the mother, like thyroid problems, seizures, or intellectual disabilities

  • Birth complications affecting oxygen flow, such as placental detachment or umbilical cord issues

  • Preeclampsia or substance abuse during pregnancy

  • Inhalation of meconium (baby's first stool) during birth

  • Low blood sugar in newborns, potentially causing brain damage

Complications of cerebral palsy

Children with CP often have some other health problems due to brain damage. Some of these include:

  • Seizures and epilepsy

  • Hearing impairments or loss

  • Intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties

  • Difficulty with feeding, swallowing, and drooling

  • Vision problems, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or blindness

  • Communication challenges, including speech and language problems

  • Muscle and bone issues, including scoliosis (curved spine) and joint problems

  • Increased risk of infections, particularly respiratory or urinary tract infections

  • Respiratory problems, including difficulty breathing or aspiration pneumonia

  • Growth problems, such as underweight or poor weight gain in some cases

  • Behavioral disorders, such as attention deficits or emotional challenges

  • Bladder and bowel problems, including incontinence or constipation

Cerebral palsy treatment options

While there’s no cure for cerebral palsy (CP), there are many ways to help people with CP live active and independent lives. Usually, the treatment plan is customized to meet their specific needs. A team of doctors, therapists, and specialists will work together to create the best plan for each individual, helping them live their best life despite the challenges of CP.

Some of the common approaches used are:

1. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cerebral palsy, especially in the early years. The goal of physiotherapy is to improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination through exercises, stretches, and other techniques.

Some benefits of physiotherapy include:

  • Helping to maintain or improve movement

  • Preventing joint stiffness (contractures)

  • Improving posture and balance

Physiotherapists may also use braces or splints to support movement and stretch muscles.

2. Speech and language therapy

Cerebral palsy often affects speech and communication abilities. Speech therapy helps people with CP to speak more clearly and improve overall communication. It also assists with:

  • Swallowing challenges

  • Managing drooling

  • Learning sign language or using communication devices

For both children and adults with CP, speech therapy can improve their ability to connect and interact with others.

QCG Tip: If you’re considering cerebral palsy treatment abroad, be sure the hospital or clinic offers specialized speech therapy programs tailored to CP. Need help? We’ve got you covered!

3. Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) helps people with cerebral palsy do everyday tasks more easily. This could include:

  • Learning how to dress, eat, or take care of themselves

  • Improving upper body strength for tasks like writing or using utensils

  • Finding new ways to move and do things at home, school, or work

OT helps people become more independent by improving their ability to handle daily routines. It’s all about making life easier and more comfortable.

4. Medications

Muscle stiffness (spasticity) is one of the most common symptoms of cerebral palsy. Fortunately, there are medications that can help relax tight muscles. Some common options include:

  • Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that can be taken orally or through a pump.

  • Botulinum toxin (Botox): Injections used to relax overactive muscles for a few months.

  • Diazepam: Helps reduce muscle spasms.

These medications can provide relief and improve movement, but they need to be monitored carefully for side effects. Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication for your needs.

5. Surgery

For more severe cases of cerebral palsy, surgery might be necessary. Some types of surgery for CP include:

  • Orthopedic surgery: This involves lengthening tight muscles or tendons to improve movement and reduce pain.

  • Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR): A procedure that cuts certain nerves in the spine to reduce severe spasticity and muscle tightness.

While surgery can be effective, it is usually recommended only when other treatments haven’t worked.

6. Assistive devices

Assistive devices help people with cerebral palsy live more independently. These include:

  • Braces or splints to help with walking

  • Speech devices for easier communication

  • Wheelchairs or scooters for better movement

  • Hearing aids or glasses for vision or hearing problems

These devices make daily life easier and improve comfort and mobility.

7. Alternative therapies

Some families look into alternative therapies to support traditional treatments. While these therapies are not proven in clinical trials, they can be used alongside other treatments. Examples include:

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Breathing oxygen in a special chamber, which some believe may help with brain function.

  • Electrical stimulation: Used to help with muscle strength and control.

  • Dietary supplements: Some people use herbal products or other supplements for added support.

Although some people report benefits from these treatments, it’s important to talk to a doctor before trying them, as their effectiveness for CP isn’t proven.

8. Other treatments for CP

Apart from traditional treatments, newer methods are being explored to help manage CP more effectively. Here are some of the treatments:

Stem cell therapy: This treatment uses stem cells to replace damaged brain cells, potentially improving motor skills and brain function.

Nanomedicine: It delivers medication directly to specific areas of the body, like the brain, using tiny particles. It’s still in early research but could help treat CP-related brain damage more effectively.

Virtual Reality (VR) therapy: VR creates simulated environments for patients to practice activities like walking and reaching. This improves coordination and helps brain rehabilitation.

Cerebral palsy can also lead to other health problems like epilepsy. These conditions require specific treatments to manage symptoms. Addressing associated conditions is important for overall well-being.

Exploring treatment abroad for cerebral palsy

If you’re one of those parents having a child with CP, you might be looking for the best cerebral palsy treatment in the world. Many countries are known for their specialized medical centers that focus on treating CP. The United States is a popular choice due to its highly specialized medical teams and cutting-edge therapies. The cerebral palsy of MA (Massachusetts) helps children and adults with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible.

Germany also stands out for its comprehensive rehabilitation programs and state-of-the-art healthcare technology. India has become a leading destination for those looking for affordable yet high-quality treatment. Turkey is also gaining recognition for its modern healthcare facilities and experienced professionals, providing specialized care at competitive prices.

Many countries offer innovative therapies and clinical trials that can improve the patient’s condition. Plus, getting treatment abroad can be more affordable than local options. Also, many international medical centers provide full support, including help with accommodation, translation services, and follow-up care after treatment.

Ready to explore cerebral palsy treatment abroad? QCG is here to guide you every step of the way toward a brighter, healthier future.

Prevention of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy cannot be fully prevented, but there are steps that can reduce the risk, especially for babies born prematurely. These include:

  • Magnesium sulfate, which helps protect the brain in babies born before 32 weeks, reducing the risk of cerebral palsy.

  • Cooling therapy for babies who experience a lack of oxygen at birth, helping to prevent brain damage.

  • Caffeine, which is given to premature babies to help them breathe more easily and may lower the risk of developing cerebral palsy.

  • Corticosteroids, given to mothers in premature labor, can speed up the development of the baby’s lungs and potentially reduce the chances of cerebral palsy.

Living with CP

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition. But quality of life can vary greatly from person to person. Many people with milder CP live full, independent lives, while others with more severe CP may need ongoing support.

However, with advancements in medical care and therapy options, CP life expectancy has improved, offering those with CP a chance at longer, more fulfilling lives With the right care, support, and new therapies on the horizon, there’s real hope for a brighter, more fulfilling future for people with CP.