Cerebral Palsy

No. A cerebral palsy diagnosis does not by itself establish when the underlying brain abnormality or injury occurred or what caused it. Prenatal history, labor and delivery records, neonatal care, early neurological findings, imaging, infections, genetic or metabolic testing, and the child’s developmental course may provide additional information. Cerebral palsy can result from abnormal brain development or injury to the developing brain before, during, or after birth, and a congenital classification alone does not establish that a particular event during labor, delivery, or newborn care caused the condition.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy records may document mobility, transfers, coordination, communication, self-care, equipment use, treatment goals, and changes in functional abilities. Although the underlying brain disturbance associated with cerebral palsy does not progressively worsen, functional abilities and secondary musculoskeletal problems can change with growth, aging, and changing physical demands. Longitudinal rehabilitation records can therefore help trace changes in independence, assistance needs, and treatment priorities.

Cerebral palsy may occur with seizures, intellectual or developmental disabilities, communication or swallowing difficulties, vision or hearing impairment, hip displacement, scoliosis, joint contractures, and other musculoskeletal problems. These associated conditions are distinct from the core movement and posture disorder but may substantially affect mobility, daily function, treatment needs, and overall care.