Does cerebral palsy worsen with age?

Category: family and relationships special needs kids
4.7/5 (82 Views . 27 Votes)
Cerebral palsy is a “non-progressive” disorder. This means that as children get older, their CP will not worsen. While an individual's cerebral palsy will not decline as they get older, there are a few things that can impact their overall health and wellness.



Furthermore, does cerebral palsy affect life expectancy?

Although there have been no general studies of life expectancy in people with cerebral palsy, most children affected by CP live between 30 and 70 years, depending on the severity of the condition. In general, a child with a mild case of CP usually lives longer than a child with mobility and intellectual limitations.

Also Know, what are the long term effects of cerebral palsy? As people with cerebral palsy age, they may experience long-term effects of chronic physical impairment, such as the following: Increase in spasms. Increase in shortening of muscles (contractures) Joint problems (e.g., pain, loss of flexibility)

Beside above, can you get cerebral palsy at any age?

Cerebral palsy is a type of brain damage that occurs before a child reaches the age of five. As such, adults cannot develop this condition. When children with cerebral palsy mature into adults, however, they face new challenges.

Can a child develop cerebral palsy later in life?

The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the first few months of life, but many children are not diagnosed until age 2 or later.

33 Related Question Answers Found

Is Cerebral Palsy hereditary?

While Cerebral Palsy is not a hereditary condition, researchers have discovered that hereditary factors can predispose an individual to Cerebral Palsy. Some genetic defects contribute to brain malformations, which miswire nerve cell connections and lead to Cerebral Palsy.

Is Cerebral Palsy painful?

The spastic form of cerebral palsy, characterized by increased muscle tone, generally seems to cause more pain than other types. This is because the overly-toned muscles tend to contract, causing spasms, and this leads to deformities, misaligned joints, and movement problems that result in pain.

How old is the oldest person with cerebral palsy?

Bernadette Rivard lived 83 years with cerebral palsy.

Can cerebral palsy affect intelligence?

Intelligence and language skills are usually normal. Spastic quadriplegia/quadriparesis is the most severe form of cerebral palsy and is often associated with moderate-to-severe intellectual disability. It is caused by widespread damage to the brain or significant brain malformations.

What do people with cerebral palsy die from?


You can not die from cerebral palsy. However, some children with severe disabilities due to the disorder may die from the complications that arise. For example, children with cerebral palsy who cannot feed themselves are often malnourished and underweight. This can lead to life-threatening problems.

Is cerebral palsy a disability?

Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture.

Is Cerebral Palsy considered a disability?

Cerebral palsy can be a very debilitating condition, which can lead to high financial losses through an inability to work. This is due to the fact that cerebral palsy is a lifelong disability. Because there is no cure, children who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy are often unable to work as adults.

Is cerebral palsy a severe disability?

Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by brain damage and it is the most common motor and movement disability of childhood. Cerebral palsy causes a range of disabilities, from mild to severe. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you need to know what to expect.

Why does cerebral palsy happen?

The cause of Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury or brain malformation that occurs while the brain is developing — before, during, or after birth. As a result of the brain damage during brain development a child's muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance can be affected.

What are the 3 main types of cerebral palsy?


There are four major types of cerebral palsy: spastic, athetoid, ataxic and mixed type.

What is mild cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. A person with mild CP, on the other hand, might walk a little awkwardly, but might not need any special help.

Is cerebral palsy a neurological disorder?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term that describes a group of nonprogressive neurological (brain) disorders that cause the loss of normal motor function. It is a lifelong condition that affects the communication between the brain and the muscles, causing a permanent state of weakness or abnormal movements.

Can a person with cerebral palsy have a baby?

Having Children When You Have Cerebral Palsy. Currently, no scientific evidence suggests that people with cerebral palsy can't have children of their own. In fact, numerous people all over the world with cerebral palsy have successfully given birth to healthy children.

Is cerebral palsy caused by lack of oxygen at birth?

Causes and Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain that affects a child's ability to control his or her muscles. People used to think that CP was mainly caused by lack of oxygen during the birth process.

How is mild cerebral palsy diagnosed?


Specialists might suggest brain imaging tests, such as x-ray computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An electroencephalogram (EEG), genetic testing, or metabolic testing, or a combination of these, also might be done. CP generally is diagnosed during the first or second year after birth.

Who is most at risk for cerebral palsy?

Risk Factors for a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
  • Low birth weight. A low birth weight is less than 5.5 pounds at birth.
  • Premature birth. Babies born before 37 weeks are considered premature.
  • From a multiple birth.
  • From assisted reproductive technology.
  • Jaundiced.
  • Not vaccinated.

Can a child with cerebral palsy walk?

Children with Cerebral Palsy can never learn to walk.
It's true that some children with CP will always need to rely on mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or walkers, to get around. However, this is by no means the norm. In fact, over half of people with CP do not require mobility aids at all.