What is the life expectancy of someone with cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy life expectancy depends on the type and severity of the condition. Many children with mild cerebral palsy live as long as anyone else.
However, kids with more serious complications, like difficulty swallowing, frequent infections, or seizures, may face a shorter lifespan.
With the right medical treatment, therapies, and daily support, children with CP can live longer, healthier lives. Families who can access the best care often see the greatest improvements in quality of life.
"My niece Cameron has cerebral palsy after a traumatic birth. With consistent care and surgery, she went from a wheelchair to walking steadily and now lives on her own in her 20s."
— Kristin Proctor, RNC-OB, Cerebral Palsy Guide on-staff registered nurse
When cerebral palsy is the result of medical negligence, families may qualify for compensation through a CP claim. This financial support can help secure lifelong, top-quality care for their child. The right care can make a lasting difference in life expectancy with cerebral palsy.
A free case review can help you find out if compensation is available to secure the treatments and support your child needs for the best possible future.
Cerebral palsy life span by severity
Life expectancy of cerebral palsy can vary depending on how mild or severe a child’s symptoms are, as well as any related health conditions. Learn more about cerebral palsy life expectancy by severity of the condition below.
Mild cerebral palsy life expectancy
Children with mild cerebral palsy usually live as long as those without the condition. Most reach adulthood, and many go on to live long, healthy lives.
More than 80% of people with mild cerebral palsy live beyond age 58, with life spans similar to the general population, according to a study published in BMC Neurology.
Severe cerebral palsy life expectancy
CP life expectancy in severe cases can be shortened, especially when paired with complications such as seizures, feeding difficulties, or respiratory infections.
Studies suggest that children with the most serious impairments have about a 40% chance of reaching age 20, though survival rates continue to improve with better care.
Doctors sometimes use disability scoring systems to estimate cerebral palsy prognosis.
Scoring for cerebral palsy life expectancy may consider factors like:
- Active epilepsy (seizure disorder)
- Bilateral blindness or deafness
- Cognitive impairments
- Motor limitations
Children with fewer complications generally live longer than those with multiple challenges. Still, many with severe CP reach adulthood, and advances in treatment have helped extend lifespans.
If you have questions about your child’s cerebral palsy diagnosis, our registered nurses are available to listen and provide guidance about care options.
There’s never any cost to speak with our team — connect with an experienced nurse right now.
Can I improve my child’s cerebral palsy life expectancy?
With the right care, children with cerebral palsy can live longer, healthier lives. Access to quality cerebral palsy treatment, therapies, and support often makes the greatest difference in a child’s long-term outlook.
Cerebral palsy life expectancy may improve when families focus on:
- Feeding and swallowing abilities
- Independence with daily activities
- Learning and developmental skills
- Mobility and motor function
- Pain management
- Speech and communication
These needs can often be managed with therapies, medications, assistive devices, or surgery in more severe cases. For many families, securing consistent access to these resources is only possible through financial support.
If your child’s cerebral palsy was the result of a traumatic birth, your family may be able to access financial support through a cerebral palsy claim. This compensation can help cover the cost of lifelong treatment and care.
Average cerebral palsy life expectancy by type
The life expectancy for cerebral palsy can vary depending on the type of CP a child has and whether there are other health conditions involved. Learn more about the life expectancy of cerebral palsy by type below.
Spastic cerebral palsy life expectancy
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of CP. Life expectancy usually depends on which parts of the body are affected. Children with mild spastic CP often live well into adulthood and may have a typical lifespan with proper care.
Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy life expectancy is usually shorter, since this form affects all four limbs and is more likely to involve complications.
Even so, many children with spastic quadriplegia reach adulthood, and medical advances continue to improve outcomes.
If you have questions about your child’s condition, our nurses are here to help. With decades of combined experience, our team of registered nurses can help guide you. Speak with a nurse now — for free.
Kristin Proctor, RN
Registered Nurse for 20+ Years
Athetoid cerebral palsy life expectancy
Athetoid CP (also called dyskinetic cerebral palsy) causes involuntary movements that can make everyday activities more challenging.
Most children with athetoid CP have a near-normal life expectancy if their feeding, breathing, and mobility needs are well supported. Consistent therapy and medical care help reduce complications and support a longer, healthier life.
Hypotonic cerebral palsy life expectancy
Hypotonic cerebral palsy is less common and is marked by unusually low muscle tone. Many babies with hypotonic CP appear “floppy” in early life and may struggle with strength, coordination, and developmental milestones.
Hypotonic cerebral palsy life expectancy depends on the severity of symptoms and any related complications. Children with milder cases often live typical lifespans, while those with more serious breathing or feeding difficulties may face additional health challenges.
Ataxic cerebral palsy life expectancy
Ataxic cerebral palsy is the rarest type and mainly affects balance and coordination. Children with ataxic CP typically have a normal or near-normal lifespan, especially if they do not have serious coexisting conditions. With physical therapy and support for mobility, many live independent lives well into adulthood.
Mixed cerebral palsy life expectancy
Some children are diagnosed with mixed CP, meaning they show cerebral palsy symptoms of more than one type. Life expectancy of cerebral palsy varies depending on the combination and severity of symptoms.
Children with milder forms of mixed CP often live a typical lifespan, while those with more complex medical needs may face additional health challenges that can shorten life expectancy.
Families should never have to worry about whether they can afford the care their child needs. If your child’s cerebral palsy may be linked to medical negligence, our simple and free case review can help you understand your options for seeking financial support.
Factors that can affect cerebral palsy life expectancy
Several factors influence the life expectancy of someone with cerebral palsy. The two most significant are the severity of motor limitations and the presence of intellectual disabilities.
When these are more severe, or when a child has multiple co-occurring conditions, life expectancy may be reduced. Learn more about what factors can affect cerebral palsy life expectancy below.
Mobility limitations
Children with limited mobility often rely heavily on caregivers for movement and daily activities. Restricted mobility can affect circulation, muscle strength, and overall health.
- Premature aging
- Pressure sores and infections
- Weakened immune system
Children who spend long periods in a wheelchair or bed are especially at risk for pressure sores, which can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Intellectual disability
More than 40% of children with CP also have an intellectual disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These impairments can affect communication and self-care.
Children with more severe developmental delays may depend on others to meet their physical, emotional, and financial needs, which can complicate long-term health outcomes.
Impairment of vision, hearing, or speech
Difficulties with vision, hearing, or speech can affect communication and independence. With support like speech therapy, many children improve their skills.
In severe cases, however, sensory impairments may increase medical risks that can affect the life expectancy of cerebral palsy.
Eating and swallowing problems
Feeding difficulties are common in CP and may lead to poor nutrition, dehydration, and growth concerns. Children with swallowing problems are also more prone to choking and aspiration pneumonia (when food or liquid enters the lungs).
Both dehydration and respiratory infections can become life-threatening conditions if not managed with proper care. Occupational therapy can help children improve feeding and swallowing skills, lowering the risk of choking and aspiration.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Many cases of cerebral palsy can affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, and muscles that support movement.
- Cervical stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck)
- Hip dysplasia (hip joint doesn’t form properly)
- Patella alta (kneecap sits higher than normal)
- Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
- Spondylosis (spinal wear and tear)
These conditions can reduce mobility, interfere with growth, and increase pain. In severe cases, they may also affect overall health and cerebral palsy life expectancy.
Physical therapy can help manage many of these complications by improving strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Respiratory disorders
Respiratory problems are a leading cause of early death in children with CP. Conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease common in premature babies) can weaken lung function.
Oral motor impairments and reflux also increase the risk of chronic aspiration, which can lead to repeated infections and pneumonia.
Seizures
Epilepsy is common in CP. According to the CDC, about 4 in 10 children with cerebral palsy also have epilepsy. Recurrent seizures can lower oxygen levels, interrupt breathing, and disrupt heart rhythms.
Prolonged or uncontrolled seizures may be life-threatening, making seizure management critical to long-term health.
Many of these risks can be reduced with proper medical care and early intervention, helping improve both quality of life and life expectancy.
If you have questions about whether your family may be entitled to financial support through a cerebral palsy lawsuit, get a free case review today.
Cerebral palsy life expectancy in adults
Many people with cerebral palsy live well into adulthood and lead independent lives. The brain damage that caused CP does not worsen over time, but the condition can place extra strain on the body.
Over time, this may lead to stiff muscles, joint pain, or fatigue. With medical care, therapy, and support, adults with CP can improve independence and long-term health.
Ways adults with CP can build independence and health include:
- Attending schools or colleges with disability accommodations
- Developing job skills through career counseling or workforce programs
- Managing daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting
- Using public transportation safely or obtaining an adapted driver’s license
With the right resources, many adults with CP live fulfilling, independent lives well into adulthood.
Support for cerebral palsy
Every family wants their child to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. High-quality treatment and consistent care can improve outcomes and, in many cases, increase cerebral palsy life expectancy.
Because treatment can be costly, families often face financial strain when trying to secure the best care. Cerebral palsy financial support is available through medical programs, community services, and legal compensation to help cover lifelong care and daily needs.
For some families, taking legal action is the best way to secure the money needed to improve their child’s future.
We work with experienced cerebral palsy attorneys who have secured over $1 billion for birth injuries, including CP. Our trusted partners may be able to help your family.
Call our trained patient advocates at (855) 220-1101 or get a free case review right now to find out how we can help.
