The most common symptom of cerebral palsy is muscle spasms. This may affect one arm or leg, the arm and leg on one side of the body, both arms, or both legs.

Other symptoms of cerebral palsy include:

• Abnormal movements
• Contractures: shortened muscles
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty walking
• Hearing and vision problems
• Limp muscles
• Numbness and tingling
• Loss of mobility
• Mental retardation
• Paralyzed limbs
• Rhythmic movements
• Seizures
• Weakness or fatigue

Children with cerebral palsy can have a short attention span and may be hyperactive.