Cerebral palsy – NHS

Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination, caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or soon after birth.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy aren't usually obvious just after a baby is born. They normally become noticeable during the first two or three years of a child's life.

Symptoms can include:

The severity of symptoms can vary significantly. Some people only have minor problems, while othersmay beseverely disabled.

Read more about thesymptoms of cerebral palsy.

Speak to your health visitor or GP if you have any concerns about your child's health or development.

Symptoms like those of cerebral palsycan have a number of different causes and aren't necessarily a sign of anything serious.

Your child may be referred to specialists in child development who can do some checks and tests tosee if there is a problem.

Read more abouttests for cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy can occur ifa baby'sbrain doesn't develop normally while in the womb, or isdamaged during or soon after birth.

Causes of cerebral palsy include:

But in many cases,the exact cause isn't clear.

Read more about the causes of cerebral palsy.

There's currently no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatments are available to helppeople with the conditionhave anormal and independent a life as possible.

Treatments include:

A team of healthcare professionals will work with you to come up with a treatment planthat meets your or your child's needs.

Readmore about treatments for cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy affects each person differently and it may be verydifficult to predict what the outlook will be for you or your child.

Generally speaking:

Speak to your care team about the likely effects of cerebral palsy on you or your child.

If you or your child have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may find it useful to contact a support group for information and advice.

Scopeis the main UK charity for people with cerebral palsy and their families.They offer:

You may also want to ask your care team if they can provide information about support groups in your local area.

Media last reviewed: 22/04/2017

Media review due: 22/04/2020

Page last reviewed: 15/03/2017Next review due: 15/03/2020

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Cerebral palsy - NHS