Cerebral Palsy | Autism Navigator Hub

WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, posture, and motor function. CP occurs due to damage to or abnormal development of the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. CP is classified into different types, including spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed, depending on the areas of the brain affected and the clinical manifestations.

WHEN DOES CEREBRAL PALSY START?

Cerebral palsy most often develops in the prenatal (before birth) or perinatal (during childbirth) period, but can also develop in early childhood. Brain damage can occur during fetal development, during childbirth, or in the first 2–3 years of life due to infections, injuries, or other neurological damage.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF CEREBRAL PALSY

Symptoms depend on the severity and form of cerebral palsy, but most often include:
Motor disorders (spasticity, ataxia, involuntary movements)
Muscle weakness and abnormal muscle tone
Poor coordination and balance problems
Delayed motor development (late sitting, walking, speaking)
Difficulty swallowing and speaking (dysarthria)
Intellectual disabilities (in some cases)
Seizures (in about 35% of patients)
Sensory impairments (vision or hearing problems)

WHAT SPECIFIC AREAS OF THE BRAIN ARE AFFECTED IN CEREBRAL PALSY?

The most commonly affected areas are:
Periventricular white matter (associated with spastic diplegia)
Motor cortex (responsible for voluntary movements)
Basal ganglia (involved in the regulation of involuntary movements in dyskinetic cerebral palsy)
Cerebellum (associated with ataxic cerebral palsy, affects coordination and balance)
Thalamus and brainstem (responsible for sensory and autonomic functions)

WHAT ARE THE OFFICIAL OPINIONS ABOUT THE CAUSES OF CEREBRAL PALSY?

It is generally accepted that cerebral palsy is caused by:
Prenatal factors: hypoxia, intrauterine infections (TORCH), maternal diseases
Perinatal factors: birth asphyxia, premature birth, neonatal stroke
Postnatal factors: brain infections (meningitis, encephalitis), traumatic brain injury

WHAT ARE THE MAIN GENETIC CHANGES FOUND IN CEREBRAL PALSY?

Although cerebral palsy is not traditionally considered a genetic disorder, research has revealed a possible genetic predisposition. Key changes include:
Mutations in genes associated with motor functions (KANK1, GAD1, CTNNB1, ATP1A3)
Single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) that affect brain development
Genes that regulate inflammation, oxidative stress and neuroplasticity

THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION AND NEUROINFLAMMATORY IN CEREBRAL PALSY

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in the development of cerebral palsy:
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy (increased IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α)
Activation of microglia and astrocytes causing neurotoxic effects
Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) suppress myelination
Association with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and hypoxia

THE ROLE OF CHRONIC AND LATENT INFECTIONS IN CEREBRAL PALSY

Some infections can contribute to the development of cerebral palsy:
TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, CMV, HSV, Zika virus)
Persistent viral infections (CMV, Epstein-Barr, HHV-6, mycoplasma)
Chronic bacterial infections that affect brain development
Postnatal infections (meningitis, encephalitis) increase the risk of cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy and Immune System Dysregulation

Disruption of cytokine production in the womb
Autoimmune reactions that attack the brain
Elevated levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17)
Association with maternal autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)

Cerebral palsy and the microbiome

Research shows the influence of intestinal microflora on brain development in cerebral palsy:
Dysbiosis affects the immune response
Disruption of the gut-brain axis in patients with cerebral palsy
Potential role of probiotics in reducing neuroinflammation

Cerebral palsy and endocrine system disorders

Growth hormone deficiency in some patients
Adrenal dysfunction due to chronic stress
Thyroid Hormonal Imbalance

CEREBRAL PALSY AND METABOLIC DYSREGULATION

Mitochondrial dysfunctions and neuronal energy deficit
Oxidative stress damages the developing brain
Disorders of glucose metabolism affecting neuronal functions

OFFICIAL METHODS OF TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL PALSY

Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Medicines: muscle relaxants (baclofen, diazepam), botulinum therapy
Surgical treatment (selective dorsal rhizotomy, orthopedic operations)
Orthopedic devices (braces, wheelchairs)

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-INFECTIOUS COMPLEXES OF METHODS OF CEREBRAL PALSY TREATMENT (OUR EXPERIENCE)

Anti-inflammatory therapy
Antiviral and other antimicrobial drugs
Mitochondrial support
Microbiome therapy
Activation of neurogenesis
Restoring neuroplasticity

THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)

Proper nutrition plays a key role in improving the quality of life of people with cerebral palsy (CP). Due to motor impairments, swallowing problems, and metabolic imbalances, dietary strategies can help address nutrient deficiencies, maintain energy levels, protect the nervous system, and reduce inflammation.

PEOPLE WITH CEREBRAL PALSY OFTEN ENCOUNTER:

Difficulty eating – poor chewing, problems with swallowing (dysphagia), risk of aspiration.
Malnutrition and growth retardation - lack of calories and protein.
Gastrointestinal (GI) problems – gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, bloating.
Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress – chronic inflammation worsens the condition of the nervous system.
Mitochondrial disorders and energy deficiency – cerebral palsy is associated with changes in cellular metabolism.

RECOMMENDED NUTRITION FOR PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

A. Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Since chronic inflammation plays an important role in the progression of CP, reducing inflammation through diet can be beneficial.

Recommended foods:

Omega-3 fatty acids – fish (salmon, sardines, herring), flaxseeds, walnuts → reduce neuroinflammation.
Antioxidant-rich foods – berries, dark leafy greens, turmeric, green tea.
Cold-pressed olive oil – supports brain function and reduces oxidative stress.
Nuts and seeds – almonds, walnuts, chia seeds (sources of healthy fats and minerals).

Foods to avoid:

Processed foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and vegetable oils → increase inflammation.
Dairy products (if intolerant) and gluten (if sensitive).

B. Nutrition for Mitochondrial and Brain Support

Neuroprotective nutrients:

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – fatty fish, spinach, nuts → supports mitochondrial function.
L-carnitine – red meat, poultry, dairy → aids energy production.
Magnesium and zinc – nuts, seeds, legumes → improve muscle function and nerve signaling.
B vitamins (B1, B6, B12, folic acid) – eggs, leafy greens, whole grains → essential for nervous system health.
Choline and phospholipids – eggs, soy, liver → support memory and neuroplasticity.

C. Gut and Microbiome Support

Probiotics and prebiotics:

Probiotics – fermented foods (kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi) → strengthen the gut-brain connection.
Prebiotics – garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas → feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Fiber – whole grains, vegetables, legumes → prevent constipation.
Bone broth and collagen – support gut lining and joint health.

D. High-Calorie Nutrition for Muscle Support

For CP patients with muscle spasticity and high energy expenditure, it’s important to ensure sufficient calorie and protein intake.

Calorie-dense foods:

Avocados, nut butters, coconut oil, full-fat dairy (if well-tolerated).

Protein sources:

Eggs, lean meat, fish, beans, tofu, Greek yogurt.

Important note:
Avoid excessive sugar consumption, as it can cause sharp spikes and drops in energy.

FEEDING TACTICS FOR DYSPHAGIA (SWALKING PROBLEMS)

If the patient has difficulty chewing or swallowing:

Puree foods, smoothies and nutritious soups.
Thickeners for liquids – prevent aspiration.
Tube feeding (if necessary) – in cases of severe eating disorders.

INDIVIDUAL APPROACH AND NUTRITION CONTROL

Each patient with cerebral palsy has unique needs, so it is important to work with a nutritionist or doctor to create a personalized diet.
Regular monitoring of body weight, nutrient levels and gastrointestinal health is necessary to prevent deficiencies.

FROM OUR OWN EXPERIENCE:

It is entirely possible to dramatically improve a child's health if a parent understands the role of inflammation and infection in cerebral palsy and takes steps to organize therapeutic methods based on this knowledge.
Narrowly targeted long-term etiotropic therapy of the main pathologies can lead to a much healthier child, including full recovery, if treatment measures are carried out at the early stages of the child's development.
A well-balanced, anti-inflammatory, brain- and gut-supporting diet can help manage CP symptoms, improve nervous system function, and enhance quality of life.