Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects movement, muscle control, and posture. It usually develops in early childhood due to brain damage before or during birth. Most cases are diagnosed when children struggle with motor skills or muscle stiffness as they grow. Since it is a lifelong condition, many people assume that cerebral palsy can only be present from birth.
This raises an important question: Can cerebral palsy develop in adulthood? The short answer is no—true cerebral palsy does not start later in life. However, some adults experience symptoms that look similar to cerebral palsy due to brain injuries or neurological diseases. In some cases, people who had mild cerebral palsy as children may not realize it until symptoms worsen with age. This article will explore these issues in detail.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle control due to brain damage. It is a lifelong condition, but it does not get worse over time. There are different types, including spastic cerebral palsy (which causes stiff muscles), dyskinetic cerebral palsy (which leads to involuntary movements), and ataxic cerebral palsy (which affects balance and coordination). Some people may have a mix of these types.
The most common causes of cerebral palsy are complications before, during, or shortly after birth. Lack of oxygen, infections, or head injuries in newborns can lead to brain damage. Premature babies and those with low birth weight are at higher risk. In rare cases, brain injuries in the first few years of life can also result in cerebral palsy.
Can Cerebral Palsy Develop Later in Life?
True cerebral palsy is always caused by brain damage that occurs early in life. This means it does not suddenly appear in adulthood. However, some adults start experiencing movement problems that seem similar to cerebral palsy. These symptoms may be due to another condition rather than new-onset cerebral palsy.
For some people, mild cerebral palsy may have gone unnoticed for years. As they age, muscle weakness and balance issues may become more obvious, leading to a late diagnosis. In other cases, different neurological conditions or brain injuries in adulthood may create symptoms that resemble cerebral palsy but have different underlying causes.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy-Like Symptoms in Adulthood
Several conditions can cause symptoms that look like cerebral palsy in adults. One major cause is brain injury. Strokes, head trauma from accidents, or infections affecting the brain can lead to movement problems, muscle stiffness, and difficulty speaking—symptoms that can seem similar to cerebral palsy.
Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS) can also lead to tremors, muscle tightness, and coordination problems. Some people who had undiagnosed mild cerebral palsy as children may notice their symptoms getting worse as they age. Joint pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking can become more pronounced with aging.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Adults
Adults with cerebral palsy or cerebral palsy-like conditions may experience muscle stiffness and spasticity. This means their muscles can be tight and difficult to control, leading to difficulty with everyday movements like walking or gripping objects. Spasticity can also cause painful muscle contractions.
Many adults also struggle with balance and coordination problems. Walking may become harder, and they may be more likely to trip or fall. Chronic pain and fatigue are also common, as the body has to work harder to compensate for muscle imbalances. These symptoms can affect daily life and require ongoing management.
How Is Adult Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy in adults by looking at medical history and performing a neurological exam. They ask about symptoms, past injuries, and childhood development to determine whether the person might have had undiagnosed cerebral palsy.
Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans can help doctors see brain damage or other neurological issues that may be causing symptoms. These tests can also rule out other conditions, such as strokes or multiple sclerosis, that might be mistaken for cerebral palsy.
Treatment and Management Options
Although cerebral palsy cannot be cured, treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Physical therapy plays a key role in maintaining strength and mobility. Stretching exercises and specialized movement training can help reduce muscle stiffness and improve coordination.
Medications like muscle relaxants and pain relievers can help with spasticity and discomfort. In some cases, doctors may recommend Botox injections to reduce muscle tightness. Lifestyle adjustments, such as using braces, walkers, or wheelchairs, can provide extra support. Occupational therapy can also help adults learn new ways to perform daily tasks more easily.
Contact Chicago Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
If an adult develops cerebral palsy-like symptoms due to medical negligence, a brain injury, or a delayed diagnosis, they may have legal options. A Chicago cerebral palsy lawyer can help determine if there was a preventable cause, such as a birth injury that was not properly diagnosed.
Seeking legal advice can provide answers and financial support for medical treatments, therapy, and assistive devices. If you or a loved one are experiencing these challenges, call us today (312) 598-0917 and get the compensation you deserve.
Interesting Reads:
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Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy
Interventions for a Newborn Who Has a Birth Injury
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