Cerebral

Palsy:
Information &
Resources
Cerebral Palsy was first studied in 1853 by Dr. John Little.
Dr. Little battled his own lifelong journey with childhood
illnesses himself, then deciding to research how birth
injuries can impact children. It wasn't until 1861 that Dr.
Little presented his research to the Obstetrical Society of Since then, many foundations, supports, and treatments
London, providing the first definition of what we now
know as Cerebral Palsy, originally referred to as “Little’s
Disease.” He originally described the disorder as children
having a damaged nervous system resulting in spasticity
or “cerebral paralysis.” In 1887 when the term Cerebral
Palsy was officially given to the disorder many researchers
were publishing valuable insights. However, it was Sigmund
Freud who first made the connection that the disability
likely occurred due to abnormal development in utero.
have been established. While we are still learning about CP
today, we now know that it is the most common motor
disability in childhood, and treatment options have taken a
hopeful turn. Today it is known with the appropriate
treatment and supports children with CP can remain an
active, well, and involved part of their community.

What is CP?
CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. Individuals with cerebral
palsy have an impairment in the area of the brain that controls movement and
muscle tone. Many of these individuals have normal intelligence, even though they
have difficulty with motor control and movement. The condition causes different
types of motor disability, which can vary from mild and barely noticeable to very
profound. Deficits in motor abilities depend on the individuals severity.

Differences can range from poor motor control affecting one side of the body, to
paralysis of both upper and lower extremities. In some cases, muscle tone is
increased, while in other cases muscle tone can appear very limp. Many individuals
with CP understand language, but their ability to produce speech may be affected
due to these motor impairments.
 Identifying the Facts.. Causes, Symptoms, & Supports

Causes of CP:
Cerebral palsy can be caused by events occurring before birth that can disrupt typical development of the brain, such as
malformation or damage to the brain during pregnancy. Additionally, certain infections in a mother during pregnancy or
insufficient oxygen to the fetus due to the placenta not properly functioning have been linked to CP.

CP can also occur after birth, such as a result of prematurity, severe jaundice in newborns, and other birth defects such as genetic
defects. CP can also be acquired up to two years after birth due to brain injuries, such as head injuries or brain infections such as
meningitis.

It used to be believed that most cases of CP resulted from a lack of oxygen during labor. However, the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now states that fewer that 10% of brain injuries that can result in CP are acquired this way.

Signs and Symptoms of CP:

There are several types of CP, with two major categories of the motor disorder: spastic, meaning the muscle tone is increased, and
hypotonia, meaning the muscles are very low tone. The symptoms of differing types of CP will appear differently.

3 to 6 months: head falls back when picked up, feels stiff, feels floppy, seems to overextend back/neck, legs stiffen when picked up
Over 6 months: doesn’t roll over, cannot bring hands together, difficulty bringing hands to mouth, reaches with only one hand
while keeping other hand fisted
Over 10 months: crawls in lopsided manner, pushing off with one hand and leg while dragging opposite hand and leg, scoots on
buttocks or hops on knees, but does not crawl on all fours

Treatments:
There are several options for treatments for individuals with CP. Children will benefit from an individualized combination of
therapies best suited for their abilities and needs.
Therapies: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, recreational therapy
Medications: Botox injections into affected muscles and/or nerves if spasticity is isolated to one muscle group, oral muscle
relaxants if whole body is affected
Surgeries/Procedures: orthopedic surgeries, severing nerves (in severe cases)

Resources:
Organizations: United Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy Family Network, Cerebral Palsy Support Network
Research: CP International Research Foundation, Cerebral Palsy Research Registry, CDC Cerebral Palsy Research
Blogs: Love that Max, Aaronverse, The CP Diary
Books: Children with CP: A Parent’s Guide, Out of my Mind, Cerebral Palsy: A complete guide for caregiving, Nathan’s Wish: A
Story about Cerebral Palsy
 References

Causes and Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy. (2017) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/causes.html
Cerebral Palsy, Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. (2015) American Academy of Pediatrics.
Retrieved from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-
disabilities/pages/Cerebral-Palsy.aspx
Cerebral Palsy History. (2018) Cerebral Palsy Guidance. Retrieved from:
https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/research/history/
Cerebral Palsy Treatment. (2018) Cerebral Palsy Guidance. Retrieved from:
https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/treatment/
Lewis, L., 25 Cerebral Palsy Resources You Should Know About. (2013) Special Needs Resources. Retrieved
from: https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/11/06/20-cerebral-palsy-resources-you-should-
know-about/
11 Things to Know About Cerebral Palsy. (2018) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from:
https://www.cdc.gov/features/cerebral-palsy-11-things/index.html