Cerebral palsy

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of movement disorders that can cause problems with posture, manner of walking (gait), muscle tone, and coordination. Depending on the severity and type of CP, different parts of the body may be affected.

Although CP is usually caused by brain damage during childbirth, it is often not diagnosed until the first or second year of a child’s life. It can be difficult for new parents to know how their child will be affected as they continue to grow.

However, if your child’s condition was caused by medical malpractice, cerebral palsy financial assistance may be available, so your child can live their best possible life.

If your child was diagnosed with CP, our team may be able to help you seek compensation. We partner with cerebral palsy lawyers who have secured over $1 billion for families impacted by birth injuries like CP.

Quick facts about cerebral palsy: 2025 update

• Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood motor disability in the U.S., affecting about 1 in 323 children.
• Brain damage leading to CP can occur before, during, or after birth, with most cases being congenital (present at birth).
• CP doesn’t worsen over time, but symptoms may change as a child grows.
• Up to 50% of children with CP have an intellectual disability, though severity varies.
• CP is more common among boys than girls.
• Cerebral palsy impacts Black children more than children of other races.
• Over half of children with CP can walk independently.
• Epilepsy (seizure disorder) affects up to 50% of people with CP, often requiring lifelong management.
• Premature birth and low birth weight significantly increase the risk of CP.
• Speech and language disorders occur in over 75% of children with CP.
• CP is linked to long-term health risks, including osteoporosis, chronic pain, and early aging.

Signs & symptoms of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy in babies can include numerous physical and neurological issues. Parents often first notice signs of CP when their child misses key milestones at certain ages, like rolling over, sitting up, or walking.

Signs of cerebral palsy may include:

• Behavioral problems
• Buildup of pressure in the brain due to fluid imbalance (hydrocephalus)
• Contractures (shortening of muscles)
• Delayed motor skill development
• Difficulties swallowing or sucking
• Difficulty with speech and language (dysarthria)
• Drooling
• Exaggerated or jerky reflexes
• Floppy muscle tone
• Gastrointestinal problems (involving food digestion)
• Incontinence (loss of bladder control)
• Involuntary movements or tremors
• Lack of coordination and balance
• Problems with movement on one side of the body
• Sensory impairments
• Stiff muscles (spasticity)
• Vision and hearing problems

Babies with cerebral palsy may have difficulty controlling their muscles, leading to stiff or floppy movements, poor coordination, and trouble with balance. Excessive fussiness, weak or absent reflexes, and difficulty focusing their eyes may also be signs of CP.

Cerebral palsy symptoms can differ for each child, depending on the severity and location of the brain damage.

Families concerned about their child’s development should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Cerebral Palsy Guide has a team of registered nurses who can listen to your concerns and provide helpful information.

What causes cerebral palsy in babies?

The main cause of CP is damage to the fetal or infant brain. Although the exact cause of brain damage can be difficult to pinpoint, several factors are linked to the condition.

Common cerebral palsy causes and risk factors include:

• Bacterial and viral infections like meningitis
• Bleeding inside the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
• Brain damage from periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
• Head injuries sustained during birth or within the first few years of life
• Kernicterus (brain damage from severe jaundice that goes untreated)
• Lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) before, during, or after delivery
• Low birthweight and premature birth
• Multiple births, like twins, triplets, or more
• Prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol

Generally, if the brain is damaged within the first 5 years of life, it may not develop properly. Damage to the parts of the brain that control motor function can cause children to struggle with posture, balance, and movement.

“After a 19-hour labor and an emergency C-section, our baby suffered a skull fracture and brain hemorrhaging from multiple vacuum attempts. Cooling therapy was done to help reduce brain damage, but it eventually led to a CP diagnosis.”
– Parent in Pennsylvania

Cerebral palsy & medical negligence

Some children develop cerebral palsy as a result of a birth injury caused by medical malpractice. These CP cases stem from inadequate care by medical professionals during the birthing process.

Examples of medical negligence that can lead to cerebral palsy include:

• Failing to detect or properly treat infections
• Ignoring changes in fetal heart rate
• Mismanaging a prolapsed umbilical cord, which can cut off oxygen to the baby
• Not performing a medically advisable cesarean section (C-section)
• Using delivery tools improperly, such as vacuum extractors and forceps

Medical professionals are trained to provide high-quality care and make lightning-fast decisions to keep mothers and babies safe. Those who fail to do so should be held responsible.

However, medical providers often downplay their role in causing harm or even deny it altogether. Trained legal professionals can help you understand what could have happened to your child.

If you suspect your child suffered a preventable birth injury, we may be able to connect you with a top CP lawyer near you.

Cerebral palsy diagnosis

Although parents and caregivers may be the first to notice signs of cerebral palsy in infants, doctors often hesitate to make a cerebral palsy diagnosis until further symptoms can be observed as the child grows.

Therefore, cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed between 18 months and 5 years of age. Often, imaging tests are also used to look for brain damage.

To diagnose CP, doctors may: 

• Track the child’s growth and development
• Perform short screening tests to check for developmental delays
• Evaluate a child’s motor skills, muscle tone, reflexes, and posture
• Conduct tests with computed tomography (CT) scans, electroencephalograms (EEG), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

“Cerebral palsy usually isn’t diagnosed at birth, even if there was a lack of oxygen. It’s often identified later when a child misses developmental milestones.”
– Kristin Proctor, Registered Nurse with Cerebral Palsy Guide

Parents can begin managing their child’s condition and start any necessary treatment once a diagnosis is made.

Cerebral palsy treatment options

While CP cannot be cured, a comprehensive cerebral palsy treatment approach can significantly enhance a child’s quality of life.

CP treatments focus on reducing symptoms and improving a child’s movement, muscle control, and everyday life.

Cerebral palsy treatment options may include: 

• Assistive devices like hearing aids, glasses, or voice synthesizers that can help individuals experiencing issues with communication, hearing, and vision
• Medications to help reduce muscle stiffness, control involuntary movements, and manage seizures
• Mobility aids like crutches or wheelchairs
• Surgeries to correct or improve issues with movement in the legs, ankles, feet, hips, wrists, and arms
• Therapies to improve mobility and brain cognition

Infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy may benefit from early medical interventions to support brain growth and enhance motor functions. This early phase presents a critical window for potentially lessening some mobility-related challenges.

“Throughout every stage of my life, [my parents] gave me the tools and encouragement I needed not to let my disability define my ability.”
– Amie Kroessig, Patient Advocate living with cerebral palsy

Actively managing CP symptoms helps children live their best lives as they grow into adulthood. Your doctor will create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Get help paying for your child’s cerebral palsy care

Many families feel overwhelmed and unprepared to pay for the costs of care that come with raising a child with cerebral palsy. Thankfully, there are many options to help families cover treatment costs and other expenses.

If you suspect your child’s CP could have been avoided, you may be able to access the financial support your family needs and deserves by taking legal action.

Call our trained patient advocates at (866) 299-4485 or get a free case review right now to find out your options.