Disorders

What is cerebral palsy?

Reviewed June 2026 by Bruce H. Cohen, MD, FAAN, FCNS

Definition: Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, balance, and muscle control. It happens when the developing brain is injured or doesn’t develop as expected, usually before, during, or shortly after birth. This is a lifelong condition, but each person’s experience is different, and symptoms can change over time.  

If you or someone you care about has cerebral palsy, you are not alone. While there’s no cure for the disorder, learning more about its symptoms and care options can help you decide what to do next.

Cerebral palsy affects how people move and interact with the world around them. Some people have mild symptoms, while others need more support in their daily lives.

  • In high-income countries, about 1 to 2 children out of every 1,000 are affected.
  • Rates may be higher in other parts of the world.

Many people with cerebral palsy also live with other health challenges, such as seizures, speech differences, or vision problems.

What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?

Symptoms can look different from person to person, but they often include:

  • Muscles that feel stiff or tight
  • Trouble with balance or coordination
  • Weakness or difficulty controlling movements
  • Involuntary or jerky movements
  • Differences in how someone walks or uses their hands

Some people may also experience:

  • Speech or communication challenges
  • Learning or thinking differences
  • Seizures
  • Vision or hearing changes

Symptoms may affect one part of the body or the whole body and can range from mild to more severe.

What are the causes and risk factors of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy happens when the developing brain is injured or does not develop as expected.

Brain injury can happen before birth (prenatal), during delivery (perinatal), or In early childhood (postnatal).

Common risk factors

Researchers have identified several factors that may increase risk, including:

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Brain injury or stroke in early life
  • Brain infections (such as meningitis)
  • Lack of oxygen around the time of birth
  • Severe jaundice
  • Genetic variants

In many cases, cerebral palsy results from a combination of factors—not a single cause.

How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?

Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed in early childhood by looking at how a child moves and develops.

Doctors may:

  • Track developmental milestones
  • Check muscle tone, posture, and movement
  • Use imaging tests, like MRI, to look at the brain
  • Consider genetic testing

Earlier diagnosis is now possible in some cases, helping children start care sooner.

What treatments are available for cerebral palsy?

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatment can improve function and support movement, independence, and quality of life.

Care is tailored to each person’s needs and may include:

  • Physical therapy to build strength and mobility
  • Occupational therapy for daily activities
  • Speech therapy for communication and swallowing
  • Mobility supports like braces or wheelchairs
  • Medications to reduce muscle stiffness or pain, or to treat the root cause
  • Surgery in some cases

Care is often provided by a team of specialists and is tailored to each person’s needs.

Caring for and navigating cerebral palsy

Explore practical tips, personal stories, and expert guidance for living well with cerebral palsy.

Frequently asked questions

Is cerebral palsy genetic?

Cerebral palsy is not usually inherited, but in some cases, genetic factors may play a role in how the brain develops or functions.

Does cerebral palsy get worse over time?

The brain injury that causes cerebral palsy typically does not get worse. However, symptoms can change over time as the body grows and ages.

What types of cerebral palsy are there?

Cerebral palsy is commonly classified into three main types:

  • Spastic (most common): increased muscle tone (stiff, tight muscles) and exaggerated reflexes
  • Dyskinetic: fluctuating muscle tone and involuntary, uncontrolled movements
  • Ataxic: reduced muscle tone (hypotonia) and difficulties with coordination and balance
Can people with cerebral palsy live independent lives?

Many people with cerebral palsy live independently or with some support. What independence looks like depends on each person’s needs and environment.

What other health issues can occur with cerebral palsy?

Some people with cerebral palsy may also experience:

  • Seizures
  • Learning or thinking differences
  • Speech or communication challenges
  • Vision or hearing problems