Cerebral Palsy in Tennessee
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published new data on the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) among children in the United States, including Tennessee. Tennessee researchers at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center continue to participate in the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, which collects population-based data to better understand developmental disabilities and support children and families.
Tennessee is one of five ADDM Network sites currently conducting cerebral palsy surveillance.
Researchers studied cerebral palsy (CP) among 4- and 8-year-old children in five U.S. communities. In 2022, about 2.4 in every 1,000 8-year-olds and 2.2 in every 1,000 4-year-olds had CP. Among 8-year-olds with CP, 58% walked independently, and CP was more common among Black children than White children. The findings also suggest that children may be receiving CP diagnoses earlier.
What We Learned in Tennessee
Prevalence
Approximately 1 in 397 (2.5 per 1,000) 8-year-old children and 1 in 394 (2.5 per 1,000) 4-year-old children in the Tennessee surveillance area were identified with cerebral palsy in 2022.
Race/Ethnicity
Cerebral palsy prevalence differed across demographic groups. Among 8-year-old children, prevalence was higher among Black children (3.1 per 1,000) than White children (2.4 per 1,000). Among 4-year-old children, prevalence was 4.9 per 1,000 for Black children and 2.1 per 1,000 for White children.
Sex
CP prevalence among 8-year-old children was 2.4 per 1,000 for males, and 2.7 per 1,000 for females. CP prevalence among 4-year-old children was 2.8 per 1,000 for males, and 2.3 per 1,000 for females.
Co- Intellectual Disability occurring
Among 8-year-old children with CP and available intelligence quotient (IQ) data in TN-ADDM, 55.8% had intellectual disability.
Why Tracking Cerebral Palsy Matters
Cerebral palsy affects a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by abnormal development of, or injury to, the developing brain and is the most common cause of lifelong motor disability. Tracking the number and characteristics of children with CP helps public health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders better understand the needs of affected children and families.
Information from CP surveillance can help:
- Estimate community resource and service needs.
- Improve planning for healthcare, education, and support programs.
- Raise awareness about the signs of CP and the importance of early identification.
- Evaluate prevention efforts and long-term outcomes.
- Help families and communities access appropriate supports and services.
For more information about how the ADDM Network tracks cerebral palsy and how these data can help families, providers, and communities plan for services, visit the CDC's ADDM Network resources.
Learn more about Cerebral Palsy
Resources
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Tennessee Community Organizations