What Is Spastic Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects muscle movement and control. People with CP have it for life.

There are different types of cerebral palsy. Spastic CP is the most common. Kids with spastic CP have stiff muscles. These may be in the upper part of the body, the lower part, or both. They can be on one or both sides of the body.

Other types of cerebral palsy can lead to writhing movements (dyskinetic CP) or problems with balance and walking (ataxic CP). Some kids have more than one kind of CP, also called “mixed pattern CP.” And sometimes, the type of cerebral palsy a child has can change over time.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is thought to be caused by a brain injury or problem. In spastic (SPASS-tik) CP, the injury or problem is in an area of the brain called the motor cortex. The motor cortex plans and controls movement.

A child might be born with CP or develop it later. The brain injury or problem doesn't get worse, but someone with CP may have different needs over time.

Cerebral palsy can be caused by:

• infections or other medical problems during a woman’s pregnancy
• having a stroke while in the womb or after birth
• untreated jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes)
• genetic disorders
• a problem during birth
• being shaken as a baby (shaken baby syndrome)
• injury in early childhood (such as from a car accident)

Premature babies (babies born early) are at higher risk for CP than babies born full-term. So are low-birthweight babies (even if carried to term) and multiple births, such as twins and triplets.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Spastic Cerebral Palsy?

Because their muscles are tight and stiff, kids with spastic cerebral palsy do not move smoothly. Their movements may seem jerky. Often, the muscles do not do what the child wants them to do.

Spastic CP can be mild or severe. This depends on how much of the brain is involved. For example, a child with mild spastic cerebral palsy might have stiffness in just one hand. Kids with severe spastic CP, though, might not be able to move some muscles at all. They may need help eating and use a wheelchair to get around.

Kids with all types of cerebral palsy can have vision, hearing, speech, eating, behavior, and learning problems. Some have seizures.

How Is Spastic Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

Most children with spastic cerebral palsy are diagnosed in the first 2 years of life. Health care providers look for signs of CP if a baby is born early or has another health problem that's associated with CP.

No single test can diagnose spastic CP. So health care professionals look at many things, including a child's:

• development
• growth
• reflexes
• movement

Testing may include:

• brain MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound
• blood and urine (pee) tests to check for other medical conditions, including genetic conditions
• electroencephalography (EEG) to look at electrical activity in the brain
• electromyography (EMG) to check for muscle weakness
• evaluation of how a child walks and moves
• speech, hearing, and vision testing

How Is Spastic Cerebral Palsy Treated?

There is no cure for cerebral palsy. But resources and therapies can help kids grow and develop to their greatest potential. The treatment plan may include:

• physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
• leg braces, a walker, and/or a wheelchair
• medicine for muscle pain or stiffness
• special nutrition to help the child grow
• surgery to improve movement in the legs, ankles, feet, hips, wrists, and arms

Where Can Caregivers Get Help?

Taking care of a child with cerebral palsy can feel overwhelming at times. Not only do kids with CP need a lot of attention at home, they also need to go to many medical appointments and therapies. Don't be afraid to say yes when someone asks, "Can I help?" Your family and friends really do want to be there for you.

To feel less alone and to connect with others who are facing the same challenges, find a local or online support group. You also can get information and support from CP organizations, such as:

• Cerebral Palsy Foundation
• United Cerebral Palsy

Staying strong and healthy is not only good for you, but also for your child and your whole family.

Looking Ahead

Living with cerebral palsy is different for every child. To help your child move and learn as much as possible, work closely with your care team to develop a treatment plan. Then, as your child grows and their needs change, adjust the plan as needed.

These guides can help as you plan for each stage of childhood and early adulthood:

• Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Birth to Age 5
• Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Ages 6 to 12
• Cerebral Palsy Checklist: Ages 13 and Up