What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Information about cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a general term referring to a group of non-progressive disorders characterised by impairment of movement or loss of other nerve functions causing disability.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy usually appear before the age of three years and affect two out of every 1,000 children born. In severe cases, symptoms may appear in the first three months after birth. As well as causing disorders of movement, those affected by cerebral palsy can suffer from learning difficulties, visual impairment, hearing/speech difficulties, feeding difficulties, behaviour problems and epilepsy.
Diagnosis of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed by paediatricians or paediatric neurologists, to whom children are referred when a brain injury is suspected or when they do not meet expected developmental milestones. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and is often confirmed through MRI brain scanning. The MRI scan can show the pattern of injury to the brain and is useful in identifying the cause of the injury.
Types of cerebral palsy
There are four main types of cerebral palsy, which may also be present in a mixed form:
- spastic cerebral palsy - the most common form, affecting about four-fifths of sufferers. This is caused by the muscles remaining in a constant state of increased involuntary reflex and leads to stiff and jerky movements. A person may have difficulty moving from one position to another or holding or letting go of objects
- athetoid cerebral palsy - affects less than one-fifth of patients. It causes uncoordinated, involuntary, purposeless movements, especially in the face, arms, and trunk. These involuntary movements often interfere with speaking, feeding, grasping, reaching and other skills that require co-ordinated movement
- ataxic cerebral palsy - affects less than one in ten patients and is characterised by poor muscle tone and altered sense of balance and depth perception, leading to slow, un-coordinated, unsteady and shaky movement
- mixed cerebral palsy - usually a combination of spasticity and athetoid movements with tight muscle tone and involuntary reflex
For more information please read our guide for individuals & families seeking cerebral palsy compensation
Making a cerebral palsy claim
For free, expert advice on making a cerebral palsy claim click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
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