Condition : Cerebral palsy
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of permanent movement and co-ordination disorders that are caused by abnormal brain development while in the womb or because of brain damage during or soon after birth.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy usually become noticeable from an early age and can include:
- muscle stiffness or floppiness
- uncontrolled body movements or spasms
- shaky or clumsy movements
All four limbs may be affected (quadriplegia), or only one side of the body (hemiplegia). Symptoms can also appear in just one or two limbs (monoplegia or diplegia).
The first signs of cerebral palsy may be delays in early movement milestones, such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking.
Other problems common in people with cerebral palsy include:
- learning disability
- eye problems
- hearing loss
- epilepsy (seizures or fits)
- communication difficulties
- urinary incontinence
- swallowing problems
What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy can be caused before, during, or soon after birth by:
- a problem with the umbilical cord or placenta that affects blood or oxygen supply
- a stroke
- an infection caught by the mother during pregnancy, such as chickenpox, toxoplasmosis, or rubella (german measles)
- an infection caught soon after birth, such as meningitis
- periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) – a type of brain injury called that affects premature babies
- a head injury
- hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar level)
Being part of a multiple pregnancy increases the risk of cerebral palsy as complications, such as premature birth, are more likely.
Next steps
Browse our recommended external support resources to learn more about your condition and ways to manage it.
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Discover services and support options available to help you with your health and wellbeing.
Related services
Occupational Therapy Service
- Adults
- Children & young people
Professionals working within various services to provide rehabilitation support and maximise function and independence.
Occupational Therapy Service: Go to serviceSpeech and Language Therapy Service
- Adults
Help for difficulties with speech, voice, language, communication, or swallowing.
Speech and Language Therapy Service: Go to serviceCommunity Physiotherapy Service (East Berkshire)
- Adults
Support at home for housebound adults who are unable to attend clinic appointments, including a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Community Physiotherapy Service (East Berkshire): Go to serviceOccupational 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.
Occupational Therapy Service for children and young people: Go to serviceSpeech 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.
Speech and Language Therapy Service for children and young people: Go to servicePhysiotherapy 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.
Physiotherapy Service for children and young people: Go to serviceExternal support
Further information on the NHS UK website
Birth Trauma Association
Support for parents who have experienced birth trauma
Cerebra
A national charity helping children with brain conditions and their families discover a better life together.
Make Birth Better
Support for parents and professionals impacted by birth trauma
Rainbow Trust
Support for families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness
Together for Short Lives
Support for families of children who have a serious illness