The condition usually develops before birth or shortly after a babys birth.

Symptoms can include learning delays, inability to walk, and speech impairment.

These types differ based on the physical effects and the areas of brain damage.

Parent playing with child with cerebral palsy

Nadia Ramahi / 500px / Getty Images

Knowing the jot down of cerebral palsy can help anticipate outcomes and guide a treatment plan.

Spastic cerebral palsy can range in severity.

The movements are slow, smooth, and purposeless.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxiais a lack of coordination.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Many people who have cerebral palsy have a mixed punch in.

The most common mixed pattern is spastic dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Often the cause of cerebral palsy is not known.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy

Some factors increase the likelihood of a child having cerebral palsy.

However, a child can have cerebral palsy even without risk factors.

Additionally, severe bleeding during pregnancy or childbirth may have a harmful effect on the babys brain.

A condition calledeclampsiamay also increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

Preventing Pregnancy Complications

Prenatal care is a vital part of reducing the risk of cerebral palsy.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is known to affect physical development of a child.

Often cognitive development is impacted as well, and many children who have cerebral palsy also have learning challenges.

Screening and Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is usually identified after a child is born.

Treatment and management can help optimize a childs learning and physical abilities.

Interventions can be beneficial for children with cerebral palsy, but interventions have limitations for children with severe impairment.

Braces and similar devices help preventmuscle contracturesandmuscle atrophy.

Transportation may rely on a vehicle that is equipped to accommodate a wheelchair.

In some instances, epilepsy surgery may be required for treatment of epilepsy that is not improved with medication.

Occupational therapy is aimed at learning how to take care of day-to-day tasks safely and effectively.

How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Life Expectancy?

However, people with severe cerebral palsy may need help with almost all tasks.

Many organizations can provide help, direction, and support.

These include advocacy organizations, community resources, support groups, and more.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is cerebral palsy?

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Cerebral palsy.

2015;57(12):1105-1118. doi:10.1111/dmcn.12849