Last Updated on August 14, 2024

What Is The Life Expectancy for Severe Cerebral Palsy?

According to a 2019 study, the life expectancy for severe cerebral palsy ranges from 34-76 years. However, this figure varies greatly depending on several factors such as their severity conditions, access to adaptive equipment, and medical care.

In the United States, two to three in every 1000 children are affected by cerebral palsy. Its is projected that about 10,000 babies will develop cerebral palsy every year. For families with members affected by cerebral palsy, understanding the trajectory of their affected child is invaluable.

In the US currently, there are about 500,000 children under 18 years old who suffer from cerebral palsy. Many great challenges await these patients and their families, but fostering a happy healthy life is not impossible. For children who were injured due to a doctor’s negligence, their families may seek compensation by filing a medical malpractice claim

Affected families should seek seasoned birth injury lawyers. By doing so, said families can establish and strengthen their claims. Specialized legal teams can skillfully negotiate for fair compensation, improving the family's chances of securing adequate support.

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How Does Cerebral Palsy Progress?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is generally considered a non-progressive disorder, meaning the initial brain injury that causes CP does not worsen over time. However, the effects of CP on a person's body can change as they age. Here's a brief overview of how the condition may evolve:

During Early Childhood– Symptoms usually become more apparent during the first few years of life
– Diagnosis is typically made between ages 1 to 3
Childhood to Adolescence– Muscle tone issues may become more pronounced
– Joint contractures can develop due to muscle imbalances
Gait patterns may change as the child grows
Adulthood– Some adults may experience premature aging
– Increased pain and fatigue are common
– Mobility may decrease due to joint wear and muscle weakness

Individuals affected with cerebral palsy also have an increased risk of developing secondary conditions. Spine issues, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory problems may occur earlier in affected victims (relative to the general population).

It's important to note that the progression and severity of symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. Early intervention, consistent therapy, and proper management can help mitigate some of these changes over time.

What is the Average Life Expectancy for Cerebral Palsy?

The life expectancy of individuals with cerebral palsy varies according to the severity of their condition. In a study published in 2019, wherein 3213 cases of cerebral palsy over 6 decades were studied, reports that:

  • Only 28 had died before 1 year of age (~0.01%)
  • About 707 had reached the age of 58 (22%)

According to this study also, the projected life expectancy for affected individuals varies according to the developmental stage they are in. A breakdown of this information is provided in the following table.

Current Age of Cerebral Palsy PatientRemaining Life Expectancy (in years)
Relatively Severe
(Disability Score ≥ 9)
Relatively Mild
(Disability Score 6 to 8)
1 to 4 years old33.259.3
5 to 14 years old34.657.5
15 to 24 years old31.950.5
25 to 34 years old30.442.7
35 to 49 years old24.234.9
50+16.224.0

Victims of medical malpractice should be compensated for all medical expenses (past and present) to ensure the best possible development and quality of life for cerebral palsy patients. Other non-economic damages such as lost wages, lesser quality of life, and emotional trauma (among many others) may also be awarded.

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Factors Affecting Your Child’s Life Expectancy

Families with cerebral palsy-affected children have a long road ahead of them. By understanding the challenges that lie ahead, they can better calibrate and foster a healthy environment for their team.

Some of these challenges include:

1. Severe Motor Impairment

Daily challenges include difficulty with mobility, self-care tasks, and communication. Severe impairment can lead to muscle contractures, joint deformities, and pressure sores. Complications may include chronic pain, increased risk of falls, and reduced independence, all impacting overall health and quality of life.

2. Presence of Intellectual Disabilities

Day-to-day challenges involve difficulty understanding and following instructions, managing medications, and making health-related decisions. This can lead to complications such as missed treatments, poor adherence to therapy, and delayed recognition of health issues, potentially worsening existing conditions or leading to new ones.

3. Feeding and Nutrition Difficulties

Daily challenges include problems with chewing, swallowing, and self-feeding. This can result in malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration. Complications may include a weakened immune system, poor wound healing, and increased risk of respiratory infections due to aspiration, significantly impacting overall health.

4. Respiratory Challenges

Day-to-day challenges involve difficulty breathing, coughing, and clearing secretions. This can lead to frequent respiratory infections and reduced oxygen intake. Complications may include chronic lung disease, sleep apnea, and increased susceptibility to pneumonia, all of which can severely impact health and life expectancy.

In severe cases, cerebral palsy patients often need constant care and support into adulthood. Several therapies (such as physical, occupational, and speech) may be needed so that affected individuals may function better. Sustained medical management for associated conditions like seizures, respiratory issues, and nutritional needs may be needed as well.

Promoting Good Health and Extending Life Expectancy

Promoting good health and extending life expectancy for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) involves a comprehensive approach. This holistic approach ensures that affected family members are healthy in all aspects of their lives. Here are key strategies:

MEASURESDESCRIPTION
1. Regular Medical Care– Routine check-ups with primary care physicians and specialists
– Early detection and management of secondary conditions
2. Physical Therapy– Ongoing physical therapy to maintain mobility and prevent contractures
– Adaptive equipment use to support independence
3. Proper Nutrition– Addressing feeding difficulties if present
– Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration
– Managing weight to reduce stress on joints
4. Respiratory Care– Chest physiotherapy if needed
– Prompt treatment of respiratory infections
5. Mental Health Support– Counseling or therapy to address psychological challenges
– Social engagement opportunities
6. Pain Management– Appropriate pain relief strategies
– Regular assessment of pain levels
7. Exercise and Fitness– Adapted physical activities to maintain cardiovascular health
– Strength training as appropriate
8. Education and Empowerment– Teaching self-advocacy skills
– Providing information about CP management
9. Access to Assistive Technology– Use of communication devices if needed
– Mobility aids to support independence
10. Regular Screenings– Bone density scans to monitor for osteoporosis
– Age-appropriate health screenings

For families affected by cerebral palsy, legal compensations are crucial as they help cover extensive medical costs, specialized equipment, ongoing therapies, and long-term care needs – alleviating financial burdens and ensuring a better quality of life. Compensation greatly varies from case to case. Check out our previous wins for actual figures from our past birth injury cases

Speak to a Birth Injury Lawyer Today

At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.

Written By
Michael S. Porter
Personal Injury Attorney
Originally from Upstate New York, Mike built a distinguished legal career after graduating from Harvard University and earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining expertise in trial work, and is now a respected trial attorney known for securing multiple million-dollar results for his clients while actively participating in legal organizations across Upstate NY.
Legally Reviewed on August 14, 2024
Eric C. Nordby
Personal Injury Attorney
Eric, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury litigation, holds a law degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University. His extensive career encompasses diverse state and federal cases, resulting in substantial client recoveries, and he actively engages in legal associations while frequently lecturing on legal topics.
This Article Was Professionally Reviewed
This page was Legally Reviewed by Eric C. Nordby on August 14, 2024. Our experts verify everything you read to make sure it's up to date. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have any questions about our content please contact us.
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