Cerebral palsy 

Cerebral palsy is a general term used by doctors to refer to a set of neurological conditions that affect a child's movement and co-ordination. Neurological conditions affect the brain and nervous system.

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain, which normally occurs before, during or soon after birth. Known possible causes of cerebral palsy include:

• infection in early pregnancy
• a difficult or premature birth
• bleeding in the baby’s brain
• abnormal brain development in the baby

See Cerebral palsy – causes for more information.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy

The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary greatly from child to child and depend on the type of cerebral palsy your child has (see box, left). Some children have problems walking, while others are profoundly disabled and require lifelong care. See Cerebral palsy – symptoms for more information.

Children with cerebral palsy often have other related conditions or problems, including:

• epilepsy 
• learning difficulties
• incontinence 
• visual impairment
• hearing impairment
• difficulties speaking or understanding other people speak
• delayed growth
• curved spine (scoliosis)
• drooling

How common is cerebral palsy?

It is estimated that 1 in every 400 children in the UK is affected by cerebral palsy. Approximately 1,800 babies are diagnosed with the condition each year.

Outlook

Cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition. This means it will not get worse as your child gets older. However, it can put a great deal of strain on the body, which can cause problems in later life.

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but a range of treatments can help relieve symptoms and increase a child's sense of independence and self-esteem. See Cerebral palsy – treatment for more information.