Cerebral palsy Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. Long-term care may be required. The disorder does not affect expected length of life. The extent of disability varies.

Complications

• Seizures
• Injuries from falls
• Reduced mobility
• Reduced communication skills (sometimes)
• Reduced intellect (sometimes)
• Social stigmatization

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of cerebral palsy develop, especially if you know that an injury occurred during birth or early infancy.

Prevention

Adequate prenatal care may reduce the risk of some rare causes of cerebral palsy. However, dramatic improvements over the last 15 years in obstetrical care at delivery have not reduced the rate of cerebral palsy. In most cases, the injury causing the disorder may not be preventable.

Pregnant mothers with various medical conditions may need to be followed in a high risk prenatal clinic.