Symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary greatly. In some people, cerebral palsy affects the whole body. In other people, symptoms might only affect one or two limbs or one side of the body. General symptoms include trouble with movement and coordination, speech and eating, and development.

CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement, balance and posture. It's caused by damage that occurs to a baby's brain, most often before birth.Symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years.

Children may have exaggerated reflexes, or their arms, legs and trunk may appear floppy. Cerebral palsy can cause stiff muscles, known as spasticity. Symptoms also can include changes in posture and movements, such as not having a steady walk. Cerebral palsy can make it hard to swallow or focus the eyes. Some children have a combination of these symptoms.

The effects on function can vary. Some people with cerebral palsy can walk, while others need assistance. Some have intellectual disabilities, but others do not. Some may have epilepsy, blindness or deafness. There is no cure, but treatments can help improve function. The condition generally stays the same over time.

Symptoms of CELEBRAL PALSY

Movement

Stiff muscles, known as Rigidity.

Changes in muscle tone, such as being either too stiff or too floppy.

Stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, known as spasticity. This is the most common movement condition related to cerebral palsy.

coordination

Lack of balance and muscle coordination, known as ataxia.

Jerky movements that can't be controlled, known as tremors.

Slow, writhing movements.

Trouble walking. People with cerebral palsy may walk on their toes or crouch down when they walk. They also may have a scissorslike walk with their knees crossing. Or they may walk with their legs wide or not be steady.

Trouble with fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes or picking up utensils.

Speech and eating

Cerebral palsy can cause symptoms related to speech and eating, such as:

Delays in speech development.

Trouble speaking.

Trouble with sucking, chewing or eating.

Drooling or trouble with swallowing.

Development

Some children with cerebral palsy have these symptoms related to development:

Delays in reaching motor skills milestones, such as sitting up or crawling.

Learning disabilities.

Intellectual disabilities.

Delayed growth, resulting in smaller size for the child's age.

Damage to the brain can contribute to other symptoms, such as:

Seizures, which are symptoms of epilepsy. Some children with cerebral palsy are diagnosed with epilepsy.

Trouble hearing.

Trouble with vision and changes in eye movements.

Pain or trouble feeling sensations such as touch.

Bladder and bowel issues, including constipation and urinary incontinence.

Mental health conditions, such as emotional conditions and behavior issues.

The brain condition causing cerebral palsy doesn't change with time. Symptoms usually don't worsen with age. However, as the child gets older, some symptoms may become easier to notice. Muscle shortening and muscle rigidity can worsen if not treated aggressively.