What Are The Symptoms Of Cerebral Palsy?

Difficulty Walking

Walking difficulties are a primary feature of cerebral palsy, and they manifest in different ways in each patient. Some patients with very mild forms of cerebral palsy may only have difficulty walking up and down stairs or when walking long distances. Others could display more noticeable gait variations. For example, some patients with this condition walk with a scissor-like gait that involves crossing the knees, and others walk only on their tiptoes or in a crouched position. Other possible gait changes include walking with a wide gait with the feet very far apart and the toes pointed outward or inward and walking with one leg dragging a little behind the other. Some gait changes such as walking on the tiptoes may be able to be corrected with the use of special orthotic devices or with surgeries to lengthen tendons in the ankles. Patients might need to use walking aids, including canes, crutches, braces, or walkers.