Cerebral Palsy

What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain before, during or just after birth and can result in a wide range of physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Orthopaedic issues such as joint contractures, scoliosis, hip dislocation, and foot deformities are common and can impact mobility and quality of life.

A little girl is sitting in a wheelchair with her legs crossed

Impact of Cerebral Palsy on Anatomy and Health

Cerebral palsy primarily affects the body's motor control and coordination. This can lead to a range of anatomical and health-related challenges, including:

  • Muscle Tone Abnormalities: Muscle tone may be too stiff (spasticity) or too floppy (hypotonia), affecting movement and posture.
  • Motor Impairments: CP often makes voluntary and involuntary movements difficult, making walking, grasping objects, and performing daily tasks challenging.
  • Joint and Bone Issues: Poor posture and muscle imbalances can cause joint deformities, scoliosis (a curved spine), and hip dislocations.
  • Speech and Feeding Challenges: Damage to the areas of the brain responsible for speech and swallowing can result in difficulty communicating or eating.
  • Vision and Hearing Problems: Some individuals with CP may have impaired vision or hearing, further complicating their development.
  • Seizures and Epilepsy: Some individuals with CP experience seizures due to the brain damage that caused the condition.
  • Cognitive Impairments: While not all individuals with CP have intellectual disabilities, some may face challenges with learning and memory.


Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy

Certain factors increase the risk of cerebral palsy, including:

  • Premature Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks are at higher risk due to underdeveloped organs and potential brain injury.
  • Low Birth Weight: Infants weighing less than 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) are more susceptible to complications that may result in CP.
  • Multiple Births: Twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples have a higher risk due to shared resources in the womb or complications during delivery.
  • Maternal Infections: Infections like rubella, cytomegalovirus, or toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can damage the developing brain.
  • Birth Complications: Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) during labour and delivery can result in brain injury and CP.
  • Genetic Mutations: Rare genetic conditions that affect brain development can also lead to CP.


Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy results from abnormal brain development or damage to the brain during its developmental stages. Causes include:

  • Prenatal Causes:
  • Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella or Zika virus).
  • Exposure to toxic substances, such as alcohol or drugs.
  • Genetic abnormalities affecting brain development.
  • Perinatal Causes:
  • Complications during labour, such as prolonged lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain.
  • Trauma during delivery.
  • Postnatal Causes:
  • Severe jaundice in the newborn.
  • Brain infections like meningitis or encephalitis.
  • Traumatic brain injury from an accident or fall.
  • Lack of oxygen from choking, near-drowning, or other incidents.


Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

These can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the condition.


Some common symptoms include:

  • Muscle stiffness or spasticity
  • Involuntary movements or tremors
  • Difficulty with coordination or balance
  • Problems with speech or swallowing


Orthopaedic issues are also common and can have a significant impact on mobility and quality of life.

  • Contractures, or the shortening of muscles and tendons, can result in stiff joints and a limited range of motion.
  • Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, can cause pain and respiratory issues.
  • Hip dislocation can cause long-term difficulty with sitting, balance, and activities of daily living, as well as pain.
  • Foot deformities can cause pain, fatigue, and difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods.


Prevention of Cerebral Palsy

While not all cases of cerebral palsy can be prevented, certain measures can significantly reduce the risk:

  • Prenatal Care: Regular check-ups during pregnancy to monitor the baby's development.
  • Vaccinations: Ensure vaccinations are current, especially for infections that can harm the baby during pregnancy (e.g., rubella).
  • Avoiding Harmful Substances: Abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs during pregnancy.
  • Proper Nutrition: Proper foetal development is supported by a healthy diet with adequate vitamins and minerals, particularly folic acid.
  • Safe Labor and Delivery Practices: Access to skilled medical professionals and facilities to handle complications during childbirth.
  • Jaundice Management: Prompt treatment of newborn jaundice to prevent kernicterus (a type of brain damage caused by high bilirubin levels).
  • Injury Prevention: Ensuring infants and young children are properly supervised to avoid accidents or injuries that could result in brain trauma.


Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is classified based on the type and pattern of movement disorders and the areas of the body affected. The primary types include:

  • Spastic Cerebral Palsy (Most Common):
  • Characterised by stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity).
  • Subtypes:
  • Spastic Hemiplegia: Affects one side of the body.
  • Spastic Diplegia: Primarily affects the legs, with mild or no involvement of the arms.
  • Spastic Quadriplegia: Involves all four limbs, often with severe mobility and speech issues.
  • Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy:
  • Involves uncontrolled, involuntary movements.
  • Can include twisting (dystonia), jerking (chorea), or slow writhing movements (athetosis).
  • Often affects the face, making speech and swallowing difficult.
  • Ataxic Cerebral Palsy:
  • Characterised by poor balance, coordination, and depth perception.
  • Movements may appear shaky or clumsy, and fine motor skills are particularly affected.
  • Mixed Cerebral Palsy:
  • Combines features of more than one type, such as spasticity and dyskinetic movements.


Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy

Diagnosing cerebral palsy can be challenging in early life and may not be clear until later in childhood. Doctors rely on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and developmental assessment to diagnose cerebral palsy. In some cases, additional tests such as brain imaging, genetic testing, or metabolic testing may be needed. Early diagnosis and intervention are important for optimising outcomes and reducing the impact of cerebral palsy on the individual’s life, including addressing orthopaedic issues.


Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

Treatment for cerebral palsy focuses on managing symptoms, improving function, and maximising quality of life. Depending on your needs and goals, treatment may involve a combination of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medications. Orthopaedic issues may require treatment with physiotherapy, bracing, casting, botox injections, orthotics and/or surgery to improve mobility and quality of life. Cerebral palsy requires a multidisciplinary team approach to management. If you want to discuss or review any orthopaedic issues, please book an appointment with Dr Graff.


What if Cerebral Palsy is Untreated?

Untreated cerebral palsy can lead to significant challenges that impact both physical and mental health:

  • Worsening Mobility Issues: Muscle contractures and joint deformities may worsen without therapy or assistive devices.
  • Secondary Health Problems: Increased risk of malnutrition, respiratory issues, and pressure sores due to limited mobility.
  • Social and Emotional Challenges: Difficulty participating in social activities, leading to isolation or low self-esteem.
  • Loss of Independence: Untreated CP may make it harder for individuals to perform basic tasks or live independently.
  • Cognitive Impact: Lack of educational support can hinder intellectual development and opportunities.


Early and ongoing treatment is critical to minimise complications, maximise abilities, and ensure the best possible quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy.



Contact Us

If you want more information or have any questions or problems, please contact Dr Graff at admin@christygraff.com or call the rooms at 0493 461 133.


Useful Website


Cerebral Palsy Information Sheet