Birth Injury Resource Center

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a type of birth injury linked to brain damage sustained by an infant during childbirth. The early signs of cerebral palsy appear in the first years of a child's life, typically prior to age 3. In more than 80 percent of cases, cerebral palsy develops within the first month of age. In the United States, approximately 8,000 babies and infants and 1,200 to 1,500 preschool-age children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year.

Contrary to common misunderstanding, cerebral (brain) palsy (weakness/lack of control) is not a disease. Rather, it is the name given to a group of disorders that affect one's ability to move and to maintain balance and posture. CP is neither progressive nor contagious. While it is not curable, it can be managed with training, therapy and assistive devices.

Cerebral Palsy Causes and Risks

In some cases, CP stems from problems with brain development that are present before birth. These problems may be caused by congenital abnormalities, metabolic disorders, poor maternal health, or infections during pregnancy. In other circumstances, an infant's brain may become injured when it is deprived of oxygen during labor and delivery. Factors such as prematurity, breech presentation, low birth weight or difficult labor and delivery may lead to complications during childbirth that increase a newborn's risk of developing CP.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

CP may be mild or severe, depending on the part of the brain and the size of the area affected, as well as the parts of the body controlled by that area of the brain. Children with cerebral palsy may have stiff muscles, tremors, lack of coordination, and difficulties in speech or swallowing. CP can also cause severe mental retardation in some children, while others who have cerebral palsy are extremely bright.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy are often evident to parents and health care providers early on in a child's life. Some early signs of CP may include difficulty feeding, delays in normal motor milestones, and lack of muscle tone or "stiff" muscles.

The Outlook for People with Cerebral Palsy

Some people with CP require little or no assistance. Others, with proper therapy and assistive devices such as crutches, braces, walkers and wheelchairs, can learn to be mobile and independent. Those with severe CP may require special medical, educational and social services.

In addition to its physical affects, CP imposes a tremendous financial burden on the family of a child with CP. In 2003, the average lifetime cost of cerebral palsy-related expenses for one person was estimated at $921,000. This figure represents both direct and indirect costs, such as medical expenses, accessibility modifications to homes and cars, special education, and lost wages.

Cerebral Palsy Support for Parents

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy or another childbirth-related injury, it may help to speak to other parents in a similar situation. Please visit the Birth Injury Resource Center Discussion Board to share your story, ask questions, and learn more about coping with birth injuries.

Resources

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cerebral Palsy Information
• duPont Hospital for Children: Cerebral Palsy Program
• MedlinePlus: Cerebral Palsy
• Aetna Pharmacy: Cerebral Palsy
• KidsHealth: Cerebral Palsy
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Cerebral Palsy Among Children
• Mayo Clinic: Cerebral Palsy
• United Cerebral Palsy: Facts & Figures