Spastic Cerebral Palsy

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), "floppy" muscles (hypotonic 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 happen because of:

infections or other medical problems during the mother’s pregnancy
a stroke either in the womb or after birth
untreated jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes)
genetic disorders
lead poisoning
bacterial meningitis
poor blood flow to the brain
being shaken as an infant (shaken baby syndrome)
an injury from an accident (like a car accident)

In rare cases, CP happens after a problem during childbirth.

Premature babies (babies born early) are at higher risk for CP than full-term babies. So are other low-birthweight babies and those in 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. Kids with CP need a lot of attention at home, and also need to go to many medical visits 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:

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

Looking Ahead

Life with cerebral palsy is different for every child. To help your child do as well 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:

Reviewed by: M. Wade Shrader, MD
Date Reviewed: Aug 1, 2024