Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders. These disorders affect how a person moves, maintains posture, and keeps their balance.

While movement is the primary concern, CP also impacts many other bodily systems. It can affect vision, hearing, and speech. Some people experience problems with thinking, learning, or feeling. It is important to note that the brain damage causing CP is non-progressive. This means the underlying injury does not get worse over time. However, the physical effects on the body can change as a child grows.

This condition results from abnormal development or damage to the brain. This damage specifically targets the parts that control movement and posture. Most instances occur during prenatal neurodevelopment, which is the growth of the brain before birth. Damage can also happen during childbirth or shortly after. Many causes remain unknown to doctors. Some risk factors include preterm birth or being a twin. Exposure to methylmercury or certain infections during pregnancy are also risks. A 2024 study suggests that inherited genetic causes affect 25% of cases. This is a significant increase from the 2% previously believed by scientists.

Doctors classify CP into different subtypes based on specific movement patterns.

Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by stiff muscles. Ataxic cerebral palsy involves poor coordination during movement or locomotion. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy causes involuntary, writhing movements. Some people also experience issues with muscle tone. High muscle tone can manifest as spasticity or dystonia. Conversely, some individuals may have low muscle tone instead. These classifications help medical professionals understand the specific needs of each person.

Humans have documented this condition for thousands of years. Hippocrates provided the first known descriptions in the 5th century BCE. In the 19th century, William John Little conducted extensive studies. His work was so influential that spastic diplegia was once called "Little's disease." Later, William Osler coined the term "cerebral palsy." This name comes from a German term meaning "cerebral child-paralysis." Because it appears in ancient historical literature, it is often called an "old disease."

Cerebral palsy is the most common movement disorder in children. It occurs in approximately 2.1 per 1,000 live births. The condition can impact many secondary systems in the body. For example, 28% of people with CP have epilepsy. About 58% face difficulties with communication. At least 42% experience vision problems, and 23% to 56% have learning disabilities.

Additionally, 55.5% of people experience lower urinary tract symptoms. These statistics show how widely the effects of CP can reach.

Physical changes in the skeleton are common due to muscle imbalances.

In people with high muscle tone, muscles and tendons may grow at different rates than bones. This can lead to bone and joint deformities. Common issues include hip dislocation and ankle equinus, which is a toe-pointing deformity. Many children also develop scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Estimates suggest scoliosis affects between 21% and 64% of children with CP. Because bones need normal muscle stress to grow properly, people with CP may be shorter than average. They may also have lower bone mineral density.

Managing cerebral palsy requires many different types of support. There is currently no known cure. However, various treatments help individuals live full lives. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are very common. Medications like diazepam, baclofen, and botulinum toxin can relax stiff muscles.

Surgery may be used to lengthen muscles or adjust overly active nerves. Assistive technology, such as external braces or Lycra splints, helps with mobility. Researchers are also examining potential new treatments like stem cell therapy. With appropriate support, many people achieve near-normal adult lives.