Cerebral Palsy

Overview

Babies and infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy may have weakness, stiff muscles or unusual movements. They may not meet their developmental milestones on time. Your doctor may see signs of cerebral palsy soon after your baby's birth or sometime in the first two years. To ensure the best possible health and development outcome, your child with cerebral palsy is likely to need coordinated care by a number of doctors in various specialties during the growing years. As your child grows to adulthood, Mayo Clinic can provide a smooth transition from pediatric care to coordinated medical care with adult care doctors.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for cerebral palsy

• Experience. Every year, Mayo Clinic doctors treat many children and adults who have cerebral palsy.
• Expertise. For many years, Mayo Clinic doctors have been leaders in the treatment of cerebral palsy and the movement problems and other disorders that often accompany the condition.
• Team approach. Care of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy at Mayo Clinic typically occurs in a cerebral palsy clinic that has an integrated team of doctors and other health professionals who diagnose and treat cerebral palsy. A team can include doctors trained in a number of disciplines, including brain and nervous system conditions (neurologists), brain and nervous system surgery (neurosurgeons), conditions of the bones and skeletal surgery (orthopedic surgeons), and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Doctors collaborate with therapists, nurses, dietitians and others trained to help people overcome limitations and make the most of their capabilities.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Read more about diagnosis and treatment of cerebral palsy.