People with cerebral palsy (CP) generally have a **shorter life expectancy** compared to the general population, but this varies widely depending on the severity of their condition, mobility, feeding ability, and presence of other medical complications such as epilepsy. Life expectancy is not uniform across all individuals with CP; it is influenced by multiple factors including the type and severity of CP, associated disabilities, and the quality of medical care received.
A key authoritative source on life expectancy in CP comes from studies in the United States, which have been adapted for use in other countries like the UK. For example, a 15-year-old American girl with cerebral palsy who can feed herself but cannot walk unaided has an estimated life expectancy of about 49 more years (reaching age 63), compared to 66 more years (age 81) for a typical 15-year-old without CP. This means she would live about 74.5% as long as her peers without CP. This percentage is then applied to local life expectancy data to estimate life expectancy in other populations[1].
The **severity of mobility impairment** is a strong predictor of life expectancy. Those who can walk and feed themselves independently tend to live longer than those who are non-ambulatory or require feeding assistance. Epilepsy, which affects about 25% of children with CP, also negatively impacts survival[3]. Other complications such as intellectual disabilities, hip displacements, pain, and respiratory issues can further influence health outcomes and longevity[3].
Longitudinal studies show that adults with CP experience a decline in walking function and gait quality as they age, particularly in those with bilateral CP (affecting both sides of the body). Fatigue levels tend to remain stable, and pain may decrease in some subgroups, but overall mobility challenges increase with age[2]. This progressive decline can contribute to secondary health problems that may affect lifespan.
Medical care plays a crucial role in managing CP and its complications. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, treatments including physical therapy, medications, surgeries, and assistive technologies can improve quality of life and potentially extend life expectancy by preventing complications such as respiratory infections and severe contractures[4]. However, the lifetime cost of care for someone with CP can be very high, averaging around $1 million in the US, reflecting the extensive medical and supportive needs[4].
In summary, people with cerebral palsy often live shorter lives than the general population, but the extent of this difference depends heavily on individual factors such as mobility, feeding ability, epilepsy, and access to specialized medical care. Life expectancy estimates are based on large population studies and must be interpreted in the context of each person’s unique health profile.
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**Sources:**
[1] Guide to cerebral palsy – the condition, causes, and legal issues, rwkgoodman.com
[2] Long-term changes in walking function in adults with cerebral palsy, PMC (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
[3] Birth injury prognosis and cerebral palsy statistics, cerebralpalsyguide.com
[4] Medical malpractice and cerebral palsy treatment costs, sokolovelaw.com
