Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to a collection of lifelong conditions that impact movement and coordination. It arises from an issue with the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. The signs of cerebral palsy are typically not apparent immediately after a baby is born but usually become evident in early childhood. The degree of symptoms can differ widely; some individuals experience only mild difficulties, while others may face significant disabilities. Learn more about the symptoms associated with cerebral palsy.

Common symptoms:

Delays in reaching development milestones – for example, not sitting by 8 months or not walking by 18 months

Seeming too stiff or too floppy

Weak arms or legs

Fidgety, jerky or clumsy movements

Random, uncontrolled movements

Walking on tiptoes

A range of other problems – such as swallowing problems , speaking problems, vision problems and learning disabilities

When to seek medical help

If you have any worries regarding your child's health or development, it's important to talk to your health visitor or a GP. Symptoms similar to those seen in cerebral palsy can arise from various factors and do not always indicate a serious issue. Your child may be referred to child development specialists who will conduct assessments and tests. You can find out more about the tests for cerebral palsy.