Signs and symptoms of CP often appear during infancy or in preschool years. It generally causes impaired movement such as abnormal reflexes, floppiness or rigidity of the limbs, abnormal posture, involuntary movements, unsteady walking, or a combination of any of these symptoms.
Some people suffering from cerebral palsy have trouble swallowing and commonly have a muscle imbalance in their eyes—both eyes don’t focus on the same object. Muscle stiffness can also cause a reduced range of motion in some parts of their bodies.
Effects can vary greatly between people. Some can walk without assistance while others need partial or complete assistance. Some show normal or nearly normal intellect, while others display intellectual disabilities. Epilepsy, blindness, or deafness also might be present.