Health Topics for Genetics and Birth Defects

Medical Genetics in Pediatrics

Division of Medical Genetics

Birth Defects

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a general term for a group of disorders that affect the control of movement and posture. It is due to damage to the part of the brain that controls voluntary movement. The damage may occur before the baby is born, during birth, or in the first few months or years after birth. Determining the cause of cerebral palsy includes looking at the form of cerebral palsy, the mother's and child's medical history, and the onset of the disorder.

Some causes of congenital cerebral palsy can be an infection during pregnancy (like German measles in the mother), jaundice in the infant, Rh incompatibility of the blood, and severe oxygen shortage in the brain or trauma to the head during labor and delivery. Acquired cerebral palsy is caused after birth in the first months or years of life from brain infections or head injuries (most often received from a motor vehicle accident, fall, or child abuse.

Cerebral palsy does not get worse with age, but sometimes the symptoms change. Trouble with movement ranges from very little to severely disabling. People with the disorder may be mentally disabled or may have normal or above normal intelligence.

There are four types of cerebral palsy. The most common is spastic cerebral palsy that causes the muscles to be stiff and difficult to move. It can affect one arm or leg, both legs, one side of the body, or both arms and legs. Children with spastic cerebral palsy may have problems hearing, seeing, and talking. Seizures may occur and they are often mentally retarded.

The second type is dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Abnormal movements cause twisting, jerking, and slow movement of the body. These movements can affect hands, arms, legs, and feet as well as cause grimacing or drooling. A child with this type may not be able to sit or walk and may have trouble with sucking, swallowing, and speech. The movements may be worse when trying to do something, but go away when the child is sleeping.

Ataxic cerebral palsy, the third type, is rare. It affects the sense of balance, causing unsteady walking. Depth perception may be affected and coordination poor.

Mixed forms are the fourth type of cerebral palsy. People may have symptoms from any of the other three types. The most common mixed form is spasticity and dyskinetic movements.

Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed by the age of 3 years. Parents often notice that their child is slow to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk. Some children may have abnormal muscle tone. They may seem very relaxed or floppy or they may be stiff or rigid. They may have an unusual posture or favor one side of the body. Parents concerned about the development of a child should discuss this with a healthcare provider.

To diagnose cerebral palsy, a child's movements and muscle tone are evaluated. Tests, such as CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound, look for causes. Other tests can be used for other problems that may come with cerebral palsy. These may include an EEG if a seizure disorder is suspected or IQ tests to check for mental retardation. Tests may also be done to check for problems with vision or hearing.

Cerebral palsy cannot be cured. However, with proper management and treatment, many affected children can enjoy near normal lives. Early detection is important in helping a child overcome developmental disabilities. There is no one treatment for everyone. The parents and child need to work with a team of healthcare providers to manage the symptoms. Drugs may be used for control of muscle spasms and seizures. Special braces or other mechanical aids and surgery help with some physical problems. Physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy may be needed.

Treating cerebral palsy demands many changes as the child grows from an infant to a child to a young adult. The ultimate goal of the treatment for cerebral palsy is to help the child grow to adulthood and have as much independence as possible.

Cerebral palsy cannot always be prevented, but there are some things that can be done to prevent some cases. Head injury can be prevented by the use of child safety seats in a car and helmets during bicycle rides and avoiding child abuse. Jaundice can be treated with phototherapy. All pregnant women should have their blood tested for Rh incompatibility, and if necessary, the father will be tested. To prevent blood incompatibility with future pregnancies, a special serum can be given to the mother soon after each childbirth. Women can be vaccinated for German measles before becoming pregnant.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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