Cerebral palsy in Brazil: A multicentre, cross-sectional, descriptive study
Eliana Valverde Magro Borigato1, Bruno Leonardo Scofano Dias1, Erica Ueno Imamura1
1SARAH Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals, Brasília, Brazil.
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|December 4, 2025
Summary
This study describes individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) in Brazil, finding that despite advances, most have severe motor impairments. Supporting registries in low- and middle-income countries is crucial for family-centered care.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex neurological disorder affecting movement and posture.
- Understanding the demographics and clinical characteristics of individuals with CP is essential for effective healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) receiving care at the SARAH Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals in Brazil.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted.
- Data from 17,771 individuals diagnosed with CP were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The predominant form was spastic CP (75.5%) with bilateral involvement (75.9%).
- Perinatal risk factors like preterm birth (48.4%) and low birthweight (48.0%) were highly prevalent.
- Over half of the participants (57.8%) presented with severe motor impairment (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III-V).
Conclusions:
- Demographic and clinical findings align with those from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Despite improvements in prenatal and perinatal care, severe motor deficits persist in individuals with CP.
- Establishing multicentre and national registries in LMICs is vital to tailor family-centered rehabilitation strategies, considering the impact of psychosocial factors.
