Cerebral Palsy
Supporting Movement, Development, and Daily Life from the Start
Cerebral Palsy (CP) isn’t a single diagnosis — it’s a spectrum of challenges that affect movement, coordination, and posture due to an early brain injury. At KidsHeart Medical Center, we work closely with families to understand each child’s needs and create coordinated care plans that support their abilities, comfort, and progress.
Our neurodevelopmental services for children with CP are available across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain.
One Diagnosis, Many Different Children
Two kids can both carry a cerebral palsy diagnosis and look nothing alike – one walks with a slight limp, another uses a wheelchair and communicates through a device. The label covers a wide range, and your child’s plan should reflect where they actually are.
Early Signs Often Show Up in Small Ways
Stiff or floppy muscle tone, favoring one side, or missing motor milestones like sitting or crawling on schedule are usually what first catches a parent’s attention. None of these confirm anything by themselves, but they’re worth checking.
Imaging Helps Explain the Injury, Not Just Confirm It
An MRI can show when and where a brain injury happened, which shapes the whole care plan that follows. This isn’t done to label your child – it’s done to understand them.
It Won't Get Worse Over Time
Cerebral palsy comes from a one-time brain injury, so the underlying condition itself doesn’t progress, even though a child’s needs and abilities keep changing as they grow. That distinction shapes how we plan care.
One Team, Several Specialties
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language support often work best together rather than separately, coordinated around your child instead of run in parallel. We help keep that coordination from falling on you.
Consistent Care Across Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
Families don’t have to choose between convenience and quality – the same specialists and approach are available at each location.
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy is a condition caused by a brain injury or abnormal development before, during, or shortly after birth. It primarily affects motor function, but can also impact:
- Muscle tone — stiffness, floppiness, or fluctuating tension
- Movement — delays in sitting, crawling, or walking
- Coordination and balance
- Speech or feeding
- Learning and sensory processing in some children
The effects can range from mild to complex — and every child’s needs are different.
Recognizing the Early Signs
Parents may notice signs of CP in infancy or toddlerhood, such as:
- Delayed motor milestones (not sitting, crawling, or walking on time)
- Persistent primitive reflexes beyond age expectations
- Stiff or floppy muscles
- Favoring one side of the body
- Difficulty with sucking, swallowing, or speech
- Unusual posture or movements
If any of these are present, an evaluation can help clarify what’s going on — and what can be done to help.
What We Do at KidsHeart
We offer thorough, family-centered care that focuses on function, comfort, and long-term goals. Our services include:
- Pediatric neurology assessment and diagnostic confirmation
- MRI or imaging review to understand the extent and timing of the brain injury
- Gross and fine motor evaluation with therapy planning
- Support for feeding, communication, and adaptive equipment needs
- Multidisciplinary coordination with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy
- Long-term follow-up and progress tracking
We work with your child’s challenges — and their strengths — to build the best path forward.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Experienced pediatric neurologists familiar with all forms of CP
- Personalized therapy coordination to support real-life function
- Guidance through schooling, mobility support, and family adaptation
- Ongoing reviews to adjust plans as your child grows
- Convenient care across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
Dr. Mohamed Sharan
Specialist Pediatrics/Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
No Doctors found! with ID: 16561
Dr. Nagat Mustafa Al Kabir
Consultant Neurodevelopment Pediatrician
The Right Care, at the Right Time
Cerebral Palsy is complex — but with early planning and steady support, your child can move forward with strength and dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. The brain injury does not worsen over time — though symptoms may change as a child grows.
Yes. With early and ongoing therapy, many children improve their function and independence.
It depends on the type and severity of CP. Many children with mild forms walk and communicate with little assistance. Others need support — and we help families plan accordingly.
Sometimes. Some children have only physical challenges, while others may need cognitive or educational support.
That varies — but KidsHeart helps guide the entire journey, from infancy to school age and beyond.