Condition Cerebral palsy

Condition Cerebral palsy

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of movement and co-ordination disorders. It happens when the brain does not develop normally before birth, or when the baby’s brain is damaged during or soon after birth.

Symptoms appear from an early age and can include:

  • stiff or floppy muscles
  • jerky, shaky, or uncontrolled movements
  • slow to roll, sit, crawl, or walk

Some people have problems in all four limbs. Others have problems on one side or in just one or two limbs.

People with cerebral palsy may also have:

  • learning difficulties (trouble with reading, writing or learning at school)
  • sight or hearing problems
  • epilepsy (fits or seizures)
  • difficulty talking or understanding speech
  • problems controlling the bladder (trouble holding pee)
  • trouble swallowing (they may choke)

What causes cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy can happen before, during, or soon after birth.

Causes include:

  • reduced blood or oxygen to the baby because of problems with the placenta or umbilical cord
  • a stroke or bleeding in the baby's brain
  • infections in the mother during pregnancy (for example, chickenpox or rubella)
  • infections in the baby after birth (for example, meningitis)
  • a type of brain injury in premature babies called periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
  • a head injury
  • very low blood sugar

Being part of a multiple pregnancy (such as triplets) increases the risk of cerebral palsy. This is because complications like premature birth are more likely.

Next steps

Step 1. Check out our external support

Browse our recommended external support resources to learn more about your condition and ways to manage it.
Step 2. Contact a Healthcare Professional

If you need further support or have concerns, a Healthcare Professional is here to help. Reach out for professional medical advice tailored to you.
Step 3. View our services

Discover services and support options available to help you with your health and wellbeing.

Occupational Therapy Service

  • Adults
  • Children & young people

Professionals working within various services to provide rehabilitation support and maximise function and independence.

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Speech and Language Therapy Service

  • Adults

Help for difficulties with speech, voice, language, communication, or swallowing.

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Community Physiotherapy Service (East Berkshire)

  • Adults

Support at home for housebound adults who are unable to attend clinic appointments, including a personalised rehabilitation plan.

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Occupational Therapy Service for children and young people

  • Children & young people

Help for children and young people up to the age of 19 who have difficulties doing everyday activities, such as dressing and feeding.

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Speech and Language Therapy Service for children and young people

  • Children & young people

Help for children and young people up to the age of 19 whose communication and/or swallowing difficulties impact on everyday life.

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Physiotherapy Service for children and young people

  • Children & young people

Help for children and young people up to the age of 19 who have difficulties with gross motor skills, including posture and mobility.

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External support

Further information on the NHS UK website 

Birth Trauma Association 

Support for parents who have gone through a difficult birth experience.

Cerebra

A national charity that helps children with brain conditions and their families discover a better life together.

Epilepsy Action 

Support for people living with epilepsy.

Make Birth Better

Support for parents and professionals impacted by difficult birth experiences.

Rainbow Trust

Support for families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

Scope

Advice and support for people with disabilities.

Together for Short Lives

Support for families of children who have a serious illness.