What You Need to Know

Cerebral palsy is a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination (spastic paralysis) and/or other disabilities, which is typically caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, labor or at birth.

• Common Symptoms

  Some of the most common symptoms of cerebral palsy are:

  • Lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia)
  • Stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity)
  • Walking on the toes or with one foot dragging
• Causes

  Cerebral palsy can be caused by a doctor, nurse or midwife who may have misinterpreted warnings, ignored fetal monitoring equipment, failed to identify fetal distress during labor, delayed a C-section, used forceps or a vacuum incorrectly, or administered an overdose of labor-inducing medication.

• Ongoing Care

  Those with mild cerebral palsy can be cared for with supportive treatments, which may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, corrective surgery, braces, wheelchairs, rolling walkers, and communication aids such as computers with voice synthesizers. Prescription drugs may also be used to help control seizures and pain and relax muscle spasms.

  Any of the above options involve costs and expenses. Severe cases that require lifetime care could cost millions of dollars.