Level I
Your child can move around independently. Mobility is hardly restricted — walking, climbing stairs, even running are possible.
Cerebral Palsy: An Overview
Discover everything you need to know about Cerebral Palsy — and how Ottobock orthotic and NeuroMobility solutions can help.
Get in TouchWhat is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that appear in early childhood, caused by a brain injury that develops before, during, or soon after birth. CP affects a person's ability to control their muscles, posture, and movement. Although Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition, modern orthotic devices, NeuroMobility solutions, and therapy can significantly improve mobility, comfort, and independence at every age.
What are the causes of Cerebral Palsy?
Finding out the exact cause behind CP in an individual child or determining the risk factors that may have played a role is often challenging for doctors. CP is most commonly the result of brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. Risk factors include premature birth, low birth weight, infections during pregnancy, and complications during delivery.
Daily life with Cerebral Palsy
Children with Cerebral Palsy can develop in many different ways depending on the severity of their condition. With early intervention, the right orthotic devices, and supportive therapy, many CP patients learn to walk, run, and lead active everyday lives — at home, at school, and in their communities.
Modern NeuroMobility solutions
Ottobock NeuroMobility devices like the exopulse Mollii Suit offer breakthrough non-pharmaceutical approaches to managing CP-related spasticity. Worn for one hour at a time at home, the suit can help reduce muscle tension and improve daily comfort for children and adults living with Cerebral Palsy.
How will Cerebral Palsy affect my child's development?
Depending on the severity of the resulting brain injury, different symptoms of cerebral palsy may appear. As Cerebral Palsy is a group of movement disorders, it can manifest as one or several of the following symptoms.
Forms and types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is classified into several types based on the predominant movement disorder. Explore the most common forms and what they mean for daily life.
Early treatment of mobility
Cerebral Palsy does not progress, which means the brain injury will not get worse over time. However, Cerebral Palsy is not curable and your child may need lifetime support. Therefore, physiotherapy together with orthotic devices and assistive aids can be life-changing — starting early helps maintain mobility and independence.
The development of mobility can vary significantly in children with Cerebral Palsy. The movement disorder or postural issues are specific to each individual. Physiotherapy, orthotic devices, and mobility aids should be tailored to your child's individual needs.
Types & Symptoms
Cerebral Palsy presents differently for every child. Below are the most common combinations of types and affected areas, along with their approximate prevalence.
- •Spastic CP (75% of cases) — Stiff muscles, exaggerated reflexes.
- •Hemiplegia (32% of cases) — One side of the body is affected, with the arm more impacted than the leg.
- •Diplegia (40% of cases) — Both legs are more affected than the arms.
- •Tetraplegia (2% of cases) — All limbs are impacted, often with significant developmental delays.
- •Bilateral Hemiplegia & Triplegia — Varying paralysis affecting multiple limbs.
What does the GMFCS level say about my child's mobility?
Based on the results of an examination of motor skills and mobility in everyday life, doctors can diagnose the level of severity of cerebral palsy. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is often used for this purpose — not only by doctors but also by other professional groups like physiotherapists.
Determining the GMFCS level is about recording your child's current level of mobility — in other words, which movements are possible for your child in everyday life and where they encounter obstacles or difficulties. Each level refers to the movements that are possible.
Level II
Your child walks in most settings. Limitations are noticeable when walking long distances, on uneven surfaces, or in crowds.
Level III
Your child walks using a hand-held mobility device. Wheelchairs may be used for longer distances.
Level IV
Self-mobility with limitations. Children are transported or use powered mobility in most settings.
Level V
Transported in a manual wheelchair. Limited ability to maintain head and neck posture against gravity.
Improving the mobility of children with Cerebral Palsy
Treatment of Cerebral Palsy will depend on your child's symptoms and how they affect their daily life. The goal of physical therapy is to improve motor skills, and regular appointments are used to keep tracking progress.
Many different specialists will work together to promote the mobility of your child with Cerebral Palsy. Planning the necessary therapeutic measures is, however, mainly the responsibility of the treating doctor, in close cooperation with parents.
What does Cerebral Palsy mean for your child's future mobility?
Many parents of children with Cerebral Palsy often feel uncertain about their child's future. Questions about how the physical impairments will affect development, and therefore the prospect of independence in adulthood, are at the forefront of every parent's mind. The good news is that with early intervention and appropriate support, many children with CP grow into confident, active adults.
Your child's independence
The clinical presentation of Cerebral Palsy is widely variable depending on the extent of the injury to your child's brain. As a result, some children only have very slight limitations, while others have more pronounced challenges. Each individual is unique — and so is their journey to independence.
Navigating your teenage years with CP
Lots of things are changing — including how you move! Your teenage years are a time of constant change. To your body, to what interests you, and what's important to you. You're experiencing new feelings, new freedoms, and new responsibilities.
Teenage years bring physical, emotional, and social challenges. For those with CP, mobility issues can affect independence, self-confidence, and participation in activities. Common challenges include:
- •Increased Spasticity & Joint Stiffness — Growth spurts may worsen muscle tightness.
- •Gait Abnormalities — Walking patterns may change, requiring updated orthotics or mobility aids.
- •Pain & Fatigue — Overuse of muscles can lead to chronic pain and exhaustion.
- •Social Inclusion — Teens with CP may feel different but can benefit from peer support and self-advocacy.
- •Physical & Occupational Therapy — Adjusting treatments to accommodate growth and new physical challenges.
How to take on life's new challenges with CP
Moya-May has a real passion for helping others with disabilities like her. She loves to share what she's learned about growing up with CP, so we asked her for some real-life advice in this special video series for teens and young adults living with Cerebral Palsy.
Adulthood: Long-Term Management
While Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive condition, its symptoms can evolve and present new challenges in adulthood due to aging, lifestyle factors, and the long-term impact of the condition on the body. Common challenges in adulthood include:
- •Increased Muscle Stiffness and Spasticity — Tightness in muscles can worsen over time; muscle tone imbalances may lead to contractures and reduced flexibility.
- •Reduced Mobility — Walking or maintaining balance can become difficult, leading to increased reliance on mobility aids such as a walker or wheelchair.
- •Joint and Muscle Pain — Often caused by abnormal posture, overuse, or arthritis.
- •Fatigue — Increased energy expenditure for routine activities due to inefficient movement patterns.
- •Muscle Weakness — Gradual weakening of muscles can impact daily functions.
- •Premature Aging — Joints and muscles may wear out earlier than expected.
- •Bone Health — Reduced mobility can lead to osteoporosis or bone density loss.
- •Cardiovascular & Respiratory Issues — Reduced activity can affect heart and lung health.
The Future with cerebral palsy
Although cerebral palsy is lifelong, many individuals achieve independence and lead fulfilling lives with the right support. Early interventions, adaptive strategies, and a strong support network can make a transformative difference for children, teens, and adults living with CP.
Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy
While there is no cure, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medications, assistive devices, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.
Product Solutions, Orthotic Aids, and Mobility Aids
Ottobock offers a comprehensive range of orthotic and NeuroMobility devices that support people living with Cerebral Palsy.
Functional Electrical Stimulation
FES systems are designed to lift your foot as you walk, improving your gait pattern, making it smoother and safer.
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exopulse Mollii Suit
The near full-body neuromodulation suit relaxes spastic and tense muscles, activates weak muscles, and relieves related pain.
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Mobility Aids
Custom mobility aids and seating solutions help children with CP participate actively in family and school life.
Discover MoreWhere to find support
Your doctor is your first point of contact. Later, allied health professionals such as Physiotherapists, Orthotists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech and Language Therapists will be available to assist on your journey.
In addition to discussing cerebral palsy within your own family and circle of friends, networking with others in a similar situation can also be helpful. Here are some organisations that can provide more information and support:
- →Scope — Advice and support for young people
- →Action Cerebral Palsy — Raising awareness for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy
- →Brainwave — Helping children with disabilities reach their potential
- →Brain & Spine Foundation — Support for those affected by neurological problems