Print this topic

HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury

Cerebral palsy

Māuiuitanga a te roro hiringa

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects movement and posture.

It is caused by a problem with the brain that can happen during pregnancy, during labour or in the first few weeks of life. Tamariki (children) born very prematurely are also at risk of developing cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy can also be caused by an accident that causes a permanent brain injury in the first 2 years of life.

Tamariki with cerebral palsy often have other problems like:

Symptoms of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy can cause a range of movement problems such as:

Treating cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy does not get worse, but it cannot be cured.

A variety of treatments can be used to help with movement and other difficulties. These include occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.

Medication and surgery on muscles or bones can be an option for some people.

  HealthInfo recommends the following videos

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2024.

Sources

Page reference: 308832

Review key: HICBP-308832