What are the classic symptoms of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder affecting muscle coordination and movement, typically due to damage or abnormal development of the brain during pregnancy, birth, or the first few years of life. The classic symptoms include muscle stiffness or spasticity, which is characterized by increased muscle tone leading to difficulty in movement and posture. Children with cerebral palsy often experience coordination issues as a result of these muscular problems, impacting their ability to perform everyday activities.

Additional characteristic symptoms may include clumsiness, abnormal gait or posture, and potentially involuntary movements. These manifestations stem from the brain's inability to control muscle movements effectively. This set of symptoms is distinct from those associated with other conditions, which involve cognitive changes, sensory impairments, or seizure activity, none of which define cerebral palsy as the primary motor disorder.