Cerebral Palsy Statistics 2026

How Common Is Cerebral Palsy?

Each year, hundreds of thousands of children worldwide are born with or develop cerebral palsy (CP), a group of disorders that can lead to problems with movement and posture.

Cerebral palsy occurs when a child’s brain is damaged or doesn’t develop normally, leading to symptoms like difficulty controlling their limbs, stiff muscles, and trouble balancing.

Cerebral Palsy Prevalence at a Glance:

• Approximately 18 million people across the globe have cerebral palsy, according to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF).
• CP is the most common lifelong physical disability in the world, as noted by CPARF.
• An estimated 1 in 345 children in the United States have CP, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries, according to Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.
• Most children with CP are not diagnosed in infancy, as some signs may become easier to recognize as a child grows and develops.
• CP affects each child differently, with symptoms and severity varying based on the type of CP and the area of the brain affected.

CP has many possible causes, and some cases are the result of preventable birth injuries caused by medical negligence during labor or delivery. Cerebral palsy statistics provide a closer look at how common CP is and who it affects.

At Sokolove Law, we’re dedicated to fighting for families affected by preventable cases of CP. With more than 45 years of experience, our cerebral palsy law firm has secured over $1.1 Billion in birth injury compensation. Find out if we may be able to seek justice for your child.

Cerebral Palsy Statistics in the U.S.

Nationwide cerebral palsy statistics can help families understand the challenges they face and the resources that are available to them. Data from the CDC provide insights into how common CP is, what factors put children at risk, and more.

The CDC-funded Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network estimates how many children across the country are living with developmental disorders, including cerebral palsy.

Find out more about U.S. cerebral palsy statistics:

• Approximately 2.4 in 1,000 U.S. children are diagnosed with CP by the age of 8, according to data from the ADDM Network.
• More than 8,000 babies born in the U.S. each year will develop cerebral palsy, based on the latest birth rates reported by the CDC.
• Most children with CP are not formally diagnosed until age 2 or later since early signs can be hard to spot until children get older, according to the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM).
• 1,200-1,500 preschool-aged children are diagnosed with CP annually, often after delays in walking or motor development become noticeable, the AACPDM reported.

U.S. cerebral palsy statistics can give families perspective as they seek treatment, support, and answers about their child’s condition. A cerebral palsy lawyer may be able to help you pursue accountability and compensation to help with the costs of your child’s care.

Cerebral Palsy Statistics Worldwide

Cerebral palsy is not just a common issue in the U.S. Children around the world may develop CP, and there can be significant differences in the medical care and social support that’s available to them.

Global cerebral palsy statistics reveal:

• CP affects an estimated 18 million people of all ages worldwide, according to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation.
• In low- and middle-income countries, as many as 3.4 children are born with CP per 1,000 births, according to Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.
• In high-income countries, approximately 1.6 children are born with CP per 1,000 births, Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology reported. This rate has declined from 2.1 per 1,000 births in the 1990s, reflecting improvements in medical care.
• In China, reported cases of CP have increased in recent years, reaching 2.07 per 1,000 births as of 2020. This is compared to 1.2 per 1,000 births in 1988, according to the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Helping children with CP and their families is a global challenge. Wherever they live, kids with disabilities can often benefit from medical treatment and physical therapy.

Statistics on Cerebral Palsy Causes

Cerebral palsy occurs when a child’s brain is damaged or develops abnormally. The underlying brain injury or abnormality may occur before, during, or shortly after birth.

Some causes of cerebral palsy are unavoidable. However, in other situations, medical issues may have been preventable or should have been recognized and treated by health care providers.

Learn more about statistics on cerebral palsy causes:

• Approximately 85-90% of CP cases are congenital, meaning they happen because of brain damage that occurs during pregnancy or birth, according to the CDC.
• Acquired CP, which is rarer, occurs after birth. This is often from brain infections, head injuries, or other early postnatal events, usually within the first 2 years of life.
• About 14-25% of people with CP have an underlying genetic condition, according to Boston Children's Hospital.
• Chorioamnionitis, a uterine infection during labor, has been linked to 12% of spastic CP cases in full-term babies and 28% in premature babies, CDC researchers found.

If you think mistakes or negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery are the reason for your child’s CP, you may have grounds for a malpractice case.

At Sokolove Law, we have registered nurses on staff who can listen to your story and help determine if medical malpractice may have played a role in your child’s care. Call (800) 995-1212 now to speak with our team for free.

How Often Is Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Negligence?

While cerebral palsy may occur for reasons outside of health care providers’ control, many cases could have potentially been avoided with appropriate medical care.

Statistics on cerebral palsy caused by medical negligence include:

• Over half of all obstetrics-related medical malpractice cases involved health care providers’ clinical judgment, according to Coverys.
• The most common obstetrics mistakes that led to malpractice claims were delayed C-sections, insufficient fetal monitoring, and failure to respond to signs of oxygen deprivation, Coverys reported.
• A newborn’s brain can be damaged through errors like the misuse of vacuum extractors or forceps in the delivery process. Babies born after failed attempts at vacuum-assisted delivery were 4 times more likely to have cerebral palsy than those born vaginally and slightly more likely than those born through emergency C-section, according to AOGS.
• About 60% of babies have jaundice, a condition where their skin is yellow from the buildup of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood, according to the CDC. If severe jaundice is not properly treated, it can lead to permanent brain damage called kernicterus, which is linked to cerebral palsy.

When medical providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, families may be able to hold them accountable by filing a cerebral palsy lawsuit. At Sokolove Law, our attorneys can help determine if you’re eligible to file malpractice claims to pursue compensation for costs of your child’s care.

Statistics on Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase a child's risk of developing cerebral palsy, including complications associated with pregnancy, birth, or early infancy.

Understanding these risk factors can help health care providers identify children who may need closer monitoring and timely intervention.

Statistical risk factors for cerebral palsy include:

• Low birth weight: Children born at less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces, are more likely to have CP, particularly if they weigh 3 pounds 5 ounces or less, according to the CDC.
• Prematurity: Babies born before 28 weeks are much more likely to develop CP, the CDC noted.
• Multiple births: Twins and other multiple births face much higher CP risk, particularly when one sibling does not survive, according to the CDC.
• Diabetes: Diabetes in a pregnant mother is associated with a heightened risk of CP, according to Epidemiology.
• Chorioamnionitis: Uterine infection during labor is linked to 28% of CP cases among infants born preterm and more than 12% of spastic CP cases for babies born at term, the CDC reported.
• Fetal distress and oxygen deprivation: Prolonged oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery, which can cause hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), is one of the leading risk factors for CP among infants born at term, according to Neurology.
• Race and socioeconomic background: Black children are 29% more likely to be diagnosed with CP than white children, while Asian children have a 20% lower risk, per a study in Pediatrics. Researchers attribute the differences partly to prenatal care access and preterm birth rates.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): This severe intestinal illness is often seen in premature infants. About 1 in 5 babies who survive NEC go on to develop CP, according to the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

If your child has CP, you may have questions about whether they received appropriate medical care based on these risk factors. Our team can review your circumstances and determine whether you may be able to file a birth injury claim.

Types of Cerebral Palsy: Statistics by Classification

Cerebral palsy is a group of related conditions classified by the type of motor impairment and the body parts affected. Which type of cerebral palsy your child has will shape their care needs and treatment options.

Here are essential statistics for types of cerebral palsy:

• Spastic CP is the most common form, accounting for about 80% of all CP cases, according to the CDC. Children with spastic CP experience increased muscle tone and stiffness, which may cause painful movement.
• Spastic CP is further classified by which limbs are affected: quadriplegia (all four limbs, 20% of CP cases), hemiplegia (primarily one side of the body, 25%), and diplegia (either both legs or both arms, 35%), according to Translational Pediatrics.
• Dyskinetic CP, characterized by uncontrolled movements, accounts for 10-20% of cases, according to American Family Physician. For example, dystonia is a common disorder in which muscle contractions lead to abnormal movements.
• Ataxic CP is the rarest form, accounting for roughly 5-10% of people with CP, per American Family Physician. This type mainly affects balance and coordination.
• Mixed CP involves features of two or more types. The most common combination is spastic and dyskinetic, according to the CDC.

The type of CP a child develops often reflects when and how the brain injury occurred, which can be crucial for assessing the likely cause.

Statistics of Cerebral Palsy and Co-Occurring Conditions

Cerebral palsy can occur alongside a range of co-occurring conditions that affect movement, communication, cognition, vision, hearing, and other aspects of health.

Recognizing these conditions can help families understand their child's needs and identify areas where additional care or support may be helpful.

Learn about statistics of cerebral palsy and co-occurring conditions:

• Epilepsy is the most common co-occurring condition, affecting approximately 42% of children with CP, according to Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology.
• Intellectual disability affects many children with certain forms of CP, including more than 50% of those with dyskinetic cerebral palsy, as noted in the Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) co-occurs in approximately 7.5% of children with CP, a much higher rate than in children generally, according to Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology.
• Vision impairment is often associated with CP, and severe issues are especially common in those with bilateral spastic CP. Nearly 66% of children with CP had some level of impairment in a Croatian Medical Journal study.
• Hearing loss and communication difficulties are common, particularly for those with dyskinetic CP. About 39% of CP patients have hearing loss, according to Otology and Neurotology.

Along with the challenges of providing care and support, these co-occurring conditions add to the lifetime costs that families face. Medical expenses for children with CP alone are 10 times higher than for other kids, according to the CDC. When co-occurring conditions are present, those costs rise even more.

If your child’s cerebral palsy is the result of medical error or negligence, a lawyer at Sokolove Law may be able to help you recover compensation for these costs.

Cerebral Palsy Mobility Statistics

Because cerebral palsy can affect movement and the use of the limbs, families may wonder how the condition will affect their child's independence and daily life. Cerebral palsy mobility statistics can provide insight into children's mobility needs and the types of support they may require.

Key mobility statistics for children with cerebral palsy include:

• About 59% of children with CP can walk independently without mobility devices, according to CDC data.
• Roughly 8% of children with CP can walk independently with handheld mobility aids.
• Approximately 34% of children with CP have limited or no walking ability and require wheelchairs or other assistive devices for mobility.

Mobility outcomes in CP are not fixed at birth. Early intervention through physical therapy, surgery, and adaptive support can meaningfully improve a child's ability to move.

However, even with the best available care, many children may still face mobility limitations. As a result, parents need to carefully plan how to best support their child and any mobility issues they may face in the future.

Statistics on Cerebral Palsy Costs & Medical Expenses

Cerebral palsy can place a significant and unexpected financial burden on families. Caring for a child with CP may involve substantial medical, therapeutic, equipment, and caregiving expenses over the course of a lifetime, even with insurance.

Find out more about lifetime cerebral palsy costs:

• The CDC estimated the average lifetime cost of care for a person with CP at approximately $921,000 in 2003. Adjusted for inflation, that figure is likely significantly higher in 2026.
• For children with severe CP and multiple co-occurring conditions, lifetime costs can range from $1 Million to $5 Million or more.
• The combined lifetime costs for all people with CP born in 2000 were estimated at $11.5 Billion in direct and indirect expenses, according to a CDC economic analysis.
• Average medical costs for children with CP are approximately 16 times higher per year than the average for children generally, according to the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy.
• Annual medical costs for kids with CP who can’t walk are roughly 4 times higher than for those who can, according to the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy.
• Most adults with CP cannot work independently, per the Disability and Health Journal.

Without adequate financial support, these costs can place considerable strain on families. However, those affected may be able to recover some of these costs by filing a cerebral palsy malpractice claim.

Get a free case review now to see if you may be eligible for compensation from a cerebral palsy lawsuit.

Medicaid and Cerebral Palsy Statistics

Medicaid is a public insurance program for people with low incomes, administered jointly by the federal government and the states. It is often crucial for helping with cerebral palsy costs.

For many families of children with cerebral palsy, Medicaid is their source of insurance coverage for long-term medical care, therapy, adaptive equipment, and home support services.

Learn more about statistics on cerebral palsy and Medicaid:

• Approximately 1.78 per 1,000 children enrolled in Medicaid managed care programs have cerebral palsy, the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy noted.
• Among children enrolled in Medicaid, those with cerebral palsy had the highest medical costs of any disability group, per the CDC.
• Medicaid-enrolled children with CP averaged $22,383 per year in medical costs, compared to $1,358 for kids without CP, according to the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy.
• Costs for children with CP who also have intellectual disabilities are approximately 26 times higher than children without either condition, the CDC reported.
• Approximately 30.5% of Medicaid-enrolled children with CP were considered likely to walk independently while roughly 33.8% were considered likely non-ambulatory.
• Among Medicaid-enrolled children with CP, approximately 33% have quadriplegia, the most severe form of spastic CP, as reported in the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy.

Medicaid covers medical services for children with CP ages 3-21, including physician visits, hospitalization, and therapy. Many families need more support through programs such as EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment) and HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waivers.

Cerebral Palsy Treatment Statistics

There is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, treatment and therapy can ease symptoms, help with mobility issues, and improve a child's overall quality of life.

Cerebral palsy treatment statistics reveal how the right care plan can make a meaningful difference.

Notable CP treatments include:

• Physical therapy: Children with CP can generally achieve physical therapy goals they set for themselves with 14-25 hours of practice, according to Frontiers in Neurology.
• Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR): About 87% of children with spastic CP who undergo SDR become more independent, according to Cureus.
• Botulinum Toxin (Botox^®): Botox can reduce spasticity for 3-4 months at a time, according to Pediatric Drugs.
• Orthopedic surgery: Nearly half of children who receive SDR need at least one orthopedic procedure afterward, according to Cureus.

Learn more about these cerebral palsy treatments and the impact they can have on children’s lives.

Statistics on Physical & Occupational Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Physical and occupational therapy are often important components of cerebral palsy care. Depending on their individual needs, children with CP may benefit from therapy beginning as soon as developmental concerns or a high risk of CP are identified.

Here are key statistics on physical and occupational therapy for CP:

• Health care providers recommend starting therapy as soon as a high risk of CP is identified to achieve the best possible outcomes, as noted in Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports.
• Occupational therapy effectively improves motor function and mobility in children with CP, according to the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
• Children who set a therapy goal and practiced for 14-25 hours are likely to achieve it, according to Frontiers in Neurology. Improvements in overall motor ability typically require 30-40 hours of practice.
• Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), which restricts the stronger limb to force use of the affected one, improved activity and participation in children with hemiplegic CP, Frontiers in Neurology reported.

Long-term therapy is effective but costly. When a child's CP results from malpractice, a family may be able to work with a CP lawyer at Sokolove Law to recover damages to help with these expenses.

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) Statistics

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgical treatment option for some children with spastic CP, particularly those with significant lower-limb spasticity. The procedure targets sensory nerve roots that contribute to spasticity affecting the legs.

Key SDR for cerebral palsy statistics include:

• SDR led to much lower spasticity scores and better motor function in children with lower limb spasticity from CP, the Journal of Neurosurgery reported.
• Among the parents of 141 children with spastic diplegia who underwent SDR, 91% reported improvement in walking, 92% reported improvement in standing, and 89% reported improvement in sitting, according to Cureus.
• In the same study, 87% of patients became more independent following SDR.
• Approximately 48% of the patients in the Cureus study required at least one follow-up procedure, most commonly Achilles tendon lengthening or hamstring release.
• SDR benefits continue through adolescence and into early adulthood, according to long-term follow-up research in the Journal of Neurosurgery.

SDR is typically recommended for children with spastic diplegia who can walk. For these patients, the procedure can achieve lasting improvements in mobility and independence.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) and Cerebral Palsy Statistics

Botulinum toxin injections, better known by the brand name Botox, may be used along with physical therapy to treat spasticity and dystonia from CP.

Key Botox and cerebral palsy treatment statistics:

• Spasticity affects around 83% of children with cerebral palsy, according to the CDC.
• Botox can help manage spasticity but does not eliminate it permanently. Effects typically last 3 to 6 months at a time, Pediatric Drugs noted.
• 97.7% of spastic CP patients who underwent SDR reduced or eliminated their need for Botox, Frontiers in Neurology reported.

Depending on the type of CP and individual child’s needs, health care providers may prescribe a variety of medications. Botox injections are often an important tool for managing symptoms, especially before a child is ready for surgery.

Orthopedic Surgery Statistics

Children with CP frequently require orthopedic surgeries, which are operations on the muscles, bones, and joints that make up the body’s musculoskeletal system.

These procedures may address joint contractures, hip displacement, and a variety of complications from CP and other treatments.

Essential CP surgical intervention statistics:

• In single event multilevel surgery (SEMLS), multiple issues with muscles, bones, and joints are addressed at once. This approach results in lasting improvements, lower costs, and fewer missed school days than if kids went through multiple procedures, according to the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.
• Approximately 48% of children out of a group of 141 who underwent SDR also required at least one orthopedic procedure afterward, according to Cureus.
• Common orthopedic surgeries used to maintain and extend the benefits of SDR include Achilles tendon lengthening, hamstring release, and adductor release, Cureus noted.
• Children with more severe CP who cannot walk independently are less likely to benefit from SDR. They may need orthopedic surgery to prevent painful joint complications, according to the Journal of Neurosurgery.

Over the course of a child’s lifetime, the costs of surgery, medication, physical therapy and other care to manage cerebral palsy symptoms can be overwhelming for parents.

Statistics on Cerebral Palsy Lawsuits and Settlements

Filing a cerebral palsy lawsuit is a way for families to seek justice and recover compensation for health care that did not meet established standards. A cerebral palsy settlement or verdict can provide the financial resources necessary to manage your child’s care.

Key cerebral palsy legal statistics include:

• On average, CP settlements are worth around $2.5 Million, as compensation is intended to help with a child’s lifetime cost of care.
• Out of all medical malpractice allegations in the U.S., claims involving obstetrics have the highest average payout, according to Coverys.
• Brain injuries, which can cause CP, were the reason for 48% of medical malpractice lawsuits involving newborns and 36% of cases involving babies in their first year, The Doctors Company found.
• Multiple cases involving cerebral palsy ranged among the 50 highest medical malpractice verdicts in 2024, according to MDLinx.
• The statute of limitations for cerebral palsy malpractice lawsuits typically ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on the state. Exceptions may apply, so talk to a lawyer about how long you have to file a claim.

A cerebral palsy settlement or verdict can help a family pay for medical treatment, physical therapy, assistive devices, modifications to their home or vehicle, and more. A Sokolove Law lawyer can guide you through the process.

Notable Recent Cerebral Palsy Verdicts

Courts across the country have returned landmark verdicts in CP malpractice cases in recent years, delivering accountability in cases where there is strong evidence of negligent care.

Recent cerebral palsy verdicts and settlements include:

• $207.6 Million: The largest medical malpractice verdict in Pennsylvania history was upheld on appeal in 2025. The case involved a boy born with spastic quadriplegic CP after hospital staff delayed a C-section, Becker’s Hospital Review reported.
• $120 Million: In 2024, a Wayne County, Michigan jury ruled in favor of a family impacted by CP after physicians delayed an emergency C-section by more than 2 hours despite clear signs of fetal distress, according to MDLinx.
• $32.5 Million: A Reading, Pennsylvania hospital settled a case in 2024 in which a child developed spastic quadriplegia CP following failure to recognize fetal distress or offer HIE cooling therapy, MDLinx noted.
• $48.1 Million: In 2025, a St. Louis County jury delivered the biggest malpractice verdict in Missouri history, finding in favor of a family whose baby developed cerebral palsy when a doctor delayed a C-section.

These cases represent the legal system holding health care providers responsible for failing to meet the necessary standards. A Sokolove Law attorney can help you recover compensation for the costs of raising a child with cerebral palsy.

Our Cerebral Palsy Results

Sokolove Law has spent more than 45 years representing families whose children were harmed by preventable errors during labor and delivery.

Our firm has secured more than $1.1 Billion for families affected by cerebral palsy and other birth injuries.

A few of our past cerebral palsy results include:

• $16.5 Million for a child in Wisconsin
• $10.9 Million to a child diagnosed with HIE and cerebral palsy due to negligence before and after delivery
• $10.5 Million for a Missouri family whose daughter was born with cerebral palsy
• $6 Million to a family whose baby suffered severe brain injury after doctors failed to respond to fetal distress
• $5.9 Million for a Texas child who developed cerebral palsy following negligence during delivery
• $9 Million to the family of a 5-year-old with cerebral palsy in Colorado
• $8.9 Million for a Pennsylvania family after a delayed C-section caused brain injury
• $8 Million to a family in New York whose child developed cerebral palsy
• $10.4 Million for the family of a child with permanent neurological impairment

While there is never a guarantee of compensation in any case, we’ll fight hard to secure the compensation your family deserves after a CP diagnosis.

Sokolove Law: Supporting Families Impacted by Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy statistics describe trends across millions of births and thousands of diagnoses. If your child was diagnosed, what matters is whether your child's specific injury was preventable and what you can expect in the future.

At Sokolove Law, we have registered nurses on staff with labor and delivery experience who can review your child's birth records and help determine whether the care your family received may have fallen short.

For more than 45 years, Sokolove Law has served the families of children with birth injuries across the country, recovering over $1.1 Billion to date.

It costs nothing to speak with us, and there’s no hourly rate to work with our lawyers. We only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review. We can help you explore your options for taking legal action.

Cerebral Palsy Statistics FAQs