Health Library

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of nervous system disorders. The nervous system includes the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. CP can cause abnormal movements, abnormal body positions, and poor balance. How CP affects you depends on what part of your brain is affected. CP affects every person in different ways.

CP is a nonprogressive disorder. This means that any CP problems with your brain will not get any worse as you get older. For example, if CP affects only your legs, you will not develop CP problems in your arms or with your speech later. However, even though CP does not get worse over time, it can affect how your body changes as you grow or develop. For example, people with CP can dislocate their hips or have a curve in their spine (scoliosis).

How can cerebral palsy affect me?

Cerebral palsy can affect many areas of your body. While it can be disabling or limiting, many children with CP report a similar quality of life compared to children without CP.

Problems of cerebral palsy

CP affects your muscle tone and the ability to coordinate body movements. The main problems caused by CP include:

a)   Problems controlling your muscles. You may have:

1. Muscle weakness.
2. Muscles that tighten without your control (spasms).
3. Muscles that shake (tremors).

b)   Curved spine (scoliosis).

c)   Having a shorter arm or leg on one side of the body.

d)   Problems with stiffness of the muscles, also called muscle tone.

e)   Problems with posture and balance.

f)    Difficulty walking.

Other problems

1. Other problems associated with CP may include:
2. Seizures.
3. Difficulty with listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or doing math (learning disabilities).
4. Vision problems.
5. Having hard or dry poop (constipation) and problems controlling when you pee (urinate).
6. Talking, communicating, or swallowing.
7. Joint problems.
8. Hearing loss.

How to manage lifestyle changes

Managing stress

1. Take care of yourself. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep.
2. Practice ways to relax, such as doing yoga or listening to music.
3. Try using healthy distractions, such as hobbies or reading.
4. Get massages.
5. Spend time with family and friends.
6. Prepare ahead of time for challenges. For example, if you are starting at a new school, go to the school before your first day so you know your way around.

Relationships

1. Be open and honest when you talk to others about your condition and how it affects you.
2. Answer questions that people have.
3. Help people understand that CP is related to muscle and motor skills and may not affect your intelligence.
4. Let others know how they can support you.

How to recognize changes in your condition

Cerebral palsy is a nonprogressive disorder. However, over time, some symptoms can get worse. At times, fevers and other health conditions can make symptoms of CP worse. You know your condition may be getting worse if:

1. You have more muscle stiffness (spasticity) or joint immobility (contractures).
2. You have increasing difficulty with movement that affects your ability to walk or move.
3. You have seizures.
4. You develop skin wounds (ulcers).
5. You become confused.

Follow these instructions at home:

Therapy

Do any physical therapy as told by your health care provider. Also, consider doing:

1. Speech and language therapy.
2. Therapy to help with handwriting, daily activities, and work (occupational therapy).
3. Therapy that involves fun activities (recreational therapy). This may include playing sports and going to cultural events.

General instructions

1. Use your abilities to communicate and to move around often.
2. Prepare yourself to be independent and take care of yourself. Make an effort to develop life skills and coping skills.
3. Use special tools (assistive devices) to make talking, eating, seeing, hearing, and moving easier. Use assistive devices as told by your provider or physical therapist.
4. Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your provider.
5. Take part in your medical care whenever possible. Talk to your providers. Ask questions that you may have about CP or your care.