Cerebral palsy affects some 30,000 children in the UK, and 1,800 new cases are diagnosed in children each year, representing one in 400 births. While the condition is often manageable, it is important to detect it quickly and start treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a big difference to a child's quality of life  and help them to achieve the best possible level of independence. 

Mild cerebral palsy will offer the best prognosis in terms of the impact on the life of the child affected , but it can also be more difficult to detect. Parents who suspect that their child  may have cerebral palsy or a different condition that is affecting their developing brain should monitor for the symptoms and seek medical advice. Here, the expert cerebral palsy solicitors at JMW have provided a simple guide to the different types of cerebral palsy, the milder symptoms of cerebral palsy that might otherwise be hard to detect, and the steps you can take if you believe your child has the condition.

Often, cerebral palsy is related to brain injury sustained due to oxygen deprivation in very young babies, sometimes as a result of negligent medical care. In these cases, parents can often seek compensation from the hospital responsible to help the child to access the highest quality care . Our experts can help you to seek compensation and advise you on care, accommodation, equipment and therapy to maximise your child’s independence. . If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you are concerned that poor medical care may be the cause, do not hesitate to get in touch with JMW's experts today.

What are the Types of Cerebral Palsy?

When diagnosing cerebral palsy, doctors will categorise it as one of four types,  each of which has different symptoms. The four  types of cerebral palsy are:

• Spastic cerebral palsy: this is the most common type and affects about 70-80% of people with cerebral palsy. It is characterised by increased muscle tone, stiff and rigid muscles, and awkward or jerky movements.
• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: this type is marked by involuntary, uncontrolled movements that can be slow and writhing or jerky and rapid. Muscle tone may fluctuate between being too tight or too loose and this condition often affects facial muscles. The child may find speaking, swallowing and walking more difficult.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy: this is the least common type of cerebral palsy. It affects balance and coordination, and children with ataxic cerebral palsy may have difficulty with precise movements or exhibit an unsteady gait. This can be hard to detect until the child begins to walk or gain more precise motor control, but some symptoms may be visible earlier. Any shaky movements, difficulties with depth perception, or issues with coordination and balance may be symptoms of cerebral palsy.
• Mixed cerebral palsy: some individuals may exhibit symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy. This is often a combination of dyskinetic and spastic cerebral palsy, but could combine any of the types listed above. The symptoms will vary depending on the combination of types involved. As such, this is rarely a mild form of cerebral palsy but can still be important to understand.

Cerebral palsy diagnosed in children may be any of the above types. Thankfully, several approaches to management of the condition are available. These can support all types of cerebral palsy and give children the best outcomes, but early detection and intervention are the most important factors when a child is seen to be developing cerebral palsy symptoms. 

What are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in its Mildest Forms?

Mild cerebral palsy presents with a range of symptoms. Because the term 'cerebral palsy' actually refers to a range of neurological disorders that affect movement and coordination, the symptoms vary significantly. As such, parents who notice any issues with their child (or who experienced a difficult birth process) should look for any of the symptoms outlined in the following sections.

Abnormal muscle tone

The child may experience stiff muscles or tightness, particularly in the legs, arms and face. This can lead to a less fluid or awkward movement pattern. If a baby cannot relax muscles properly, they might crawl lopsidedly and use one side of their body more than the other. When they start to walk, they might do so on their toes, or with a slight limp or unusual gait that does not improve over time. Rather than muscle stiffness, the child's muscle tone may be too fluid. Babies who exhibit low muscle tone can appear unusually floppy or relaxed when held. They might show a preference for using one side of their body, such as consistently reaching with one hand or dragging one leg when crawling.

Developmental delays

Naturally, development delays cannot be detected immediately, but they are one of the most reliable ways to detect problems with a baby's brain as it grows. Children with mild cerebral palsy often take longer to reach developmental milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, or walking, than other children. They may appear clumsy or unsteady, particularly when performing complex motor tasks, and struggle with balance as they begin to sit up, stand or walk.

Later delays in the developing brain can be seen as the child learns to talk. People with cerebral palsy often experience slight speech difficulties, such as unclear articulation or challenges in controlling the speed or rhythm of their speech. They might also experience other types of mild cognitive impairment, like mild learning difficulties, challenges with attention or organisation, or processing information at a slower speed. Again, this is much more difficult to detect in young children but becomes more apparent as they grow up.

Behavioural challenges

Difficulties with muscle movement, disorders like developmental disabilities, and cognitive impairments (which can include hearing and vision problems) can all be overwhelming. As such, children with cerebral palsy - even mild cerebral palsy - often become frustrated due to the challenges they face. They may experience behavioural or emotional issues as a result.

It is important to note that mild cerebral palsy does not usually worsen over time, but the symptoms might become more noticeable as the child grows older and faces more complex motor tasks. Early intervention with a combination of physiotherapy , occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy, can help to manage symptoms and improve your child's quality of life. As such, it is worthwhile to speak to a doctor as soon as you detect any of the symptoms of cerebral palsy - whether those are relatively minor, such as a tendency to lie only on one side, or something more apparent like stiff muscles or decreased muscle tone.

What are the Best Ways to Manage Cerebral Palsy?

Children with cerebral palsy often need support to manage their symptoms. Even with mild forms of cerebral palsy, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to deliver the best results. This should be tailored to the child's specific needs and challenges, whether those are physical challenges, neurological symptoms, chronic pain or any other symptoms that arise over time. The goal is to maximise the child's functional independence, improve their quality of life, and address any associated health issues.

Managing cerebral palsy will usually involve some combination of the following:

1. Diagnosis: getting a diagnosis while the child is young allows for early intervention and can significantly improve their wellbeing. However, you should not feel discouraged if your child is older - just make sure to report any neurological or physical symptoms to your child's doctor as soon as you notice something that might indicate a problem.
2. Physical therapy: regular physical therapy sessions can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and maintain a larger range of motion in the joints. These can improve (or counteract challenges with) the child's motor skills. Therapists can work with children to improve their walking patterns and balance, and tailor exercises to help with posture, sitting, and mobility. You should work with physical and occupational therapists to develop a programme that will best meet your child's specific needs.
3. Occupational therapy: occupational therapists can work on improving hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are essential for tasks like dressing, eating, and writing. They may recommend and teach the child to use adaptive devices like specialised utensils, seating systems, or communication aids to increase their independence.
4. Speech and language therapy: speech therapists will help children develop clearer speech, improve their articulation, and work on any difficulties they have with swallowing (dysphagia). For children with significant speech impairments, the therapist may introduce alternative communication methods, such as sign language, communication boards, or speech-generating devices. They can help both the child and their parents to get to grips with these approaches, to facilitate better communication within the family.
5. Medication or surgery: a doctor may prescribe medications to reduce muscle spasticity, address any pain related to the condition, and improve comfort and mobility. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct skeletal deformities, lengthen muscles, or improve joint alignment.
6. Emotional and psychological support: counselling or other therapy can help both the child and their family cope with the emotional challenges of cerebral palsy. Joining support groups for families affected by cerebral palsy can also provide valuable resources, shared experiences, and emotional support.

There are lots of organisations that are designed to support children and adults with cerebral palsy. Thanks to our experience with cerebral palsy and related medical conditions, the knowledgeable cerebral palsy claims solicitors at JMW can offer advice and help families to connect with resources that will offer this support. Contact us for advice tailored to your specific needs.

How Can Families Provide the Best Support?

Cerebral palsy may be caused by problems with a child's brain development in the womb, or a brain injury during birth or in their early infancy. Doctors, midwives and medical staff must be familiar with risk factors for cerebral palsy and take any steps they can to minimise the risk. During childbirth, this means following strict monitoring processes and reacting quickly in response to an emergency. 

Any failure in this area can cause cerebral palsy and entitle you to compensation. Making a cerebral palsy compensation claim can make the biggest difference in terms of your child's quality of life, as the money you receive can pay for many of the things your child will need to deal with their condition. For example, compensation can pay for specialised treatment, any medical devices or assistive devices that your child might need, and any necessary adjustments to your home or vehicle to accommodate their disability.

As such, compensation can be a significant factor in improving the outcomes for children with cerebral palsy, and in maximising their quality of life. The compensation  you receive will not only pay for the child's health care needs now, but will account for their needs in the future. They will be able to rely on lifelong support if you take the step of securing compensation on their behalf.