Definition
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders that affect movement, posture, and balance. The word “cerebral” refers to the brain, and “palsy” means weakness or difficulty with movement. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
It is the most common physical disability in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 births in Australia. Around 34,000 Australians live with cerebral palsy.
How It Affects the Body
CP primarily affects motor function — the ability to move and coordinate muscles. Depending on which parts of the brain are affected, a person with CP may experience:
- Muscle stiffness (spasticity) — muscles that are tight and resist stretching
- Involuntary movements — uncontrolled or unpredictable movements
- Difficulty with balance and coordination — challenges with walking, sitting, or fine motor tasks
- Weakness — reduced muscle strength in certain parts of the body
- Difficulty with speech — muscles used for speaking may be affected
- Difficulty with swallowing — which can affect eating and drinking
CP can affect different parts of the body. Some people are affected on one side (hemiplegia), some in both legs (diplegia), and some throughout the whole body (quadriplegia). The severity ranges widely — some people walk independently, while others use wheelchairs or require full-time support.
Not a Disease
Cerebral palsy is not a disease. It is a condition — a permanent result of brain injury or abnormal brain development. It is:
- Not contagious — you cannot catch or spread it
- Not progressive — the brain injury itself does not get worse over time
- Not curable — but its effects can be managed and quality of life improved with the right support
- Not a single condition — it is a group of conditions with a wide range of effects
While the brain injury does not change, the way CP affects the body can change over time. Children grow, muscles develop differently, and new challenges (or improvements) can emerge at different stages of life.
Every Person Is Different
No two people with CP are the same. The type, location, and extent of brain injury determine how each person is affected. Some people with CP:
- Walk independently and live with minimal support
- Use mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs
- Communicate using speech, or use communication devices
- Have intellectual disabilities, or have no cognitive impact at all
- Live independently, or need 24-hour care
It is important never to assume what a person with CP can or cannot do based on their diagnosis alone. CP is a spectrum, and every individual has their own unique strengths, challenges, and goals.
Brain & Body Connection
The brain sends messages to the body through the nervous system to control movement. In CP, the areas of the brain that send these messages are damaged or didn't develop properly. This means the messages between the brain and muscles don't work the way they should.
The damage typically occurs in one or more of these brain areas:
- Motor cortex — controls voluntary movement
- Basal ganglia — helps regulate movement and posture
- Cerebellum — coordinates movement and balance
- White matter — carries signals between brain regions
Because the brain controls so much more than movement, some people with CP also experience difficulties with vision, hearing, sensation, learning, communication, or behaviour. These are called associated conditions.
Life Expectancy
Life expectancy for people with CP varies greatly depending on the severity of the condition and associated health issues. Many people with mild to moderate CP have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. Advances in medical care, nutrition, and support services have significantly improved outcomes over the decades.
People with more severe forms of CP, particularly those with significant feeding difficulties, respiratory issues, or epilepsy, may have a reduced life expectancy. Good healthcare, nutrition support, and proactive management of associated conditions can make a significant difference.
Key Points to Remember
- CP is a permanent condition caused by brain injury or abnormal brain development
- It primarily affects movement, posture, and coordination
- It is not a disease, not contagious, and not progressive
- Every person with CP is unique — the condition is a spectrum
- There is no cure, but there are many effective therapies and supports
- With the right support, people with CP lead full, meaningful lives