Cerebral palsy

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of disorders that affect someone’s movement and posture.

What causes cerebral palsy?

CP is caused by a problem with the brain. Usually, it is not noticeable until a child is 2-3 years old.

What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?

Symptoms may include:

  • developmental delays 
  • weak arms or legs
  • muscle spasms
  • speech problems

Are you affected by cerebral palsy?

If you’re affected by cerebral palsy, The Brain Charity can support you.

We are the only charity in the UK to be here for every one of the more than 600 different neurological conditions in existence. Individually, many are rare, but combined, they affect 1 in 6 people.

We provide practical help on all aspects of living with cerebral palsy, emotional support such as counselling, phone befriending and group therapy and social activities to people with cerebral palsy from all over the UK from our centre in Liverpool.

Looking to talk to someone?

Woman smiling, making eye contact and holding the hand of another woman to comfort her

Phone us

Contact The Brain Charity now

Our friendly Information & Advice Officers are here to help. We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 10 working days.

0151 298 2999

Looking to talk to someone?

  • Please tell us which neurological condition you are affected by and what you need support with.

Caring for someone with cerebral palsy

The effects of cerebral palsy vary from individual to individual. Although there is no cure, there are treatments available to help those affected. These include physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

We support carers, friends and family too

Are you a carer for or relative of someone with cerebral palsy? It’s just as important for you to look after your own physical and mental wellbeing too.

The Brain Charity provides free support for carers, friends and family of people with any form of neurological condition, including cerebral palsy, from anywhere in the UK.

We also run an additional carers advocacy service for all carers in Liverpool, regardless of which type of condition the person they care for has.

You don’t need to be a formal or registered carer

We can help you even if you don’t view yourself as a formal carer or claim Carer’s Allowance. Find out some of the ways we support carers below.

Other resources

The Brain Charity's library

The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on this condition and on a wide range of disability-related issues.

Support groups

Online disability forum (Scope)

Other charities

Scope (disability equality charity in England and Wales)

Helpline: 0808 800 3333
Website: www.scope.org.uk

The Foundation for Conductive Education

Tel. 0121 442 5556
Website: https://conductive-education.org.uk

Mencap (charity valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers)

Helpline 0808 808 1111
Website: www.mencap.org.uk