Epidemiology of cerebral palsy in Brazil through the lens of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework

Epidemiological studies of cerebral palsy (CP) help us to better understand who people with CP are and how they live. In this study conducted by the Brazilian Cerebral Palsy Registry (RB-PC), we interviewed adults with CP and caregivers of children, adolescents, and adults with CP. In these interviews, we asked about health, such as diagnosis, causes of CP, and the presence of other impairments; about daily life, including school, work, and activities; as well as access to rehabilitation services and assistive devices. In this article, we present the responses from these interviews, considering only those who participated. The RB-PC was developed in partnership with adults with CP and mothers of children and adolescents with CP, who helped build a study that is closer to real-life experiences. Between August 2024 and May 2025, 1098 people were interviewed. Most participants were children aged 0 to 11 years, and more than half were male. Individuals from all regions of Brazil were included. In most cases, the cause of CP occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the first days of life, such as infection or lack of oxygen to the infant during birth. Many participants had greater movement limitations, requiring the use of a wheelchair and assistance from others in daily life. In addition, many also had other health conditions, such as epilepsy, cognitive impairment, visual impairments, and swallowing difficulties. Although most require assistive devices, nearly half do not have everything they need, and more than half do not have adapted homes.