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Cerebral palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy (CP)
What is cerebral palsy (CP)?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a motor development disorder caused by an injury to or abnormality of the developing brain, occurring before, during or shortly after birth.
It primarily affects posture, muscle tone and voluntary movements. Cerebral palsy is not a progressive disease: the brain lesion remains stable over time, even though its manifestations may change as the child grows.
There are several forms:
- spastic: muscle stiffness and limited movements (the most common form);
- dyskinetic: involuntary movements;
- ataxic: problems with balance and coordination;
- mixed forms.
Cerebral palsy may also be accompanied by associated conditions: epilepsy, sensory impairments (vision and hearing), communication difficulties, swallowing disorders, muscle or joint pain, and mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
Each child has a unique profile and requires personalised care.
Management of cerebral palsy (CP)
Management of CP at the Children’s Hospital is based on a comprehensive, individualised and multidisciplinary approach, provided within CIRICU, the Interdisciplinary Centre for Paediatric Rehabilitation and University Consultation at the Children’s Hospital.
CIRICU is an essential coordination hub between the hospital, families, external centres, schools and partners in the medical, psychological and social network. It therefore ensures continuity and consistency throughout the care pathway for children with CP.
Assessment and diagnosis
The assessment may include:
• a comprehensive motor and neurological assessment;
• an analysis of posture, muscle tone and gait;
• a psychological or neuropsychological assessment, if necessary;
• additional examinations (imaging, screening for associated disorders).
A specialised multidisciplinary team
Depending on the child’s needs, various professionals may be involved:
- doctors in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation;
- orthopaedic surgeons;
- paediatric neurologists;
- specialised physiotherapists;
- occupational therapists;
- speech and language therapists (communication, swallowing);
- psychologists and neuropsychologists;
- specialised paediatricians (nutrition, rehabilitation);
- social services, providing administrative and educational support.
Therapeutic tools offered at HUDERF
• Intensive motor rehabilitation (posture, mobility, balance) > specialised neuromotor physiotherapy
• Gait rehabilitation and gait analysis > gait pattern assessment (gait analysis laboratory)
• Occupational therapy: independence, adapted equipment and technical aids
• Speech and language therapy: communication, oromotor and swallowing disorders
• Orthopaedic follow-up and muscle tone management (botulinum toxin, specialised neuro-orthopaedic surgery)
• Pain management
• Support and guidance for families
• Coordination of the care pathway with external centres, schools and partners in the network
Long-term follow-up
CP requires continuous care to anticipate needs related to growth, prevent complications (orthopaedic deformities, pain and eating disorders) and support the child’s participation in all daily activities.
The Children’s Hospital also collaborates with national initiatives such as the Belgian Cerebral Palsy Registry.
Advice for parents
Supporting your child’s development
• Encourage activities that promote movement, initiative and exploration.
• Reinforce daily routines (sleep, meals, exercises).
• Celebrate every achievement, however modest: this boosts motivation.
Helping your child become more independent
• Adapt the environment: adjusted furniture, assistive technology and adapted equipment.
• Let your child try independently, even if it takes more time.
• Communicate with the school to arrange the necessary adaptations.
Being attentive to certain signs
Contact the team if you notice:
• increased stiffness or pain;
• reduced mobility or walking ability;
• feeding difficulties;
• signs of bone or joint deformity.
Support for the whole family
The HUDERF team supports families with:
• administrative procedures (allowances, equipment, school guidance);
• coordination between the various professionals involved;
• psychological support, if necessary.
