• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Treatment
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Sigmund Freud
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Research > Cerebral Palsy History
Last Updated: April 26, 2022

Cerebral Palsy History

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatrician. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

Many people have contributed to the understanding of cerebral palsy. This work included in-depth studies, promoting public awareness, and medical trials to help better understand the condition. Modern cerebral palsy history begins in the 1800s.

When Was Cerebral Palsy Discovered?

According to historical documents, Dr. John Little is recognized as the first person to study cerebral palsy and define it in 1853.

Dr. John Little and Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Dr. John Little was the first person who identified cerebral palsy. Dr. Little battled a long childhood full of illnesses and decided to turn his experiences into a lifelong project to help other children with similar issues.

Dr. Little’s cerebral palsy work began in the 1830s when he gave lectures on how birth injuries can significantly impact children. He attempted to correlate oxygen loss and brain damage to cerebral palsy.[1]

One of the most important contributions Little made to cerebral was a course of published lectures entitled “On the Nature and Treatment of the Deformities of the Human Frame,” which he delivered at England’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in 1843.[2]

Around 1861, Little presented research to the Obstetrical Society of London, where he provided the first definition of cerebral palsy. He stated that children with the condition have an injured nervous system that results in spasticity.

In turn, this is the first recorded definition of spastic cerebral palsy. However, it would be years before the term “cerebral palsy” was established. Back then, it was simply called “Little’s Disease,” named after Dr. Little. In some instances, it was referred to as “cerebral paralysis.”

Sir William Osler and the Term “Cerebral Palsy”

It wasn’t until 1887 that the term cerebral palsy was applied to the condition that Dr. Little studied. Sir William Osler, who wrote a book entitled “Cerebral Palsies of Children,” coined the term.[3]

The book summarized all of Osler’s research and records on cerebral palsy. It also provided his insights on treatment information, including therapies that could help children manage the disorder better.

Sigmund Freud and Research into Cerebral Palsy Causes

Although great insights were being published regarding cerebral palsy, there wasn’t a lot of information on the development of the disorder before birth. However, Dr. Sigmund Freud, a renowned psychiatrist, along with a neurologist, made the connection. Previously, experts thought that cerebral palsy only occurred during a difficult childbirth.

Dr. Sigmund Freud was the first to state that cerebral palsy might be caused by abnormal development before birth.[4] Before that, orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Little had postulated that cerebral palsy was acquired at birth due to difficult labor.

Yet, Freud stated that difficult childbirth might be a symptom of something that happened during birth that would result in a harsh childbirth experience. Many people ignored Freud’s assumptions at the time. He continued his work, even disagreeing so much with Little that an argument ensued.

Freud based his theory on the fact that some children who experienced oxygen loss during childbirth were not affected, while others were. On the other hand, Little had always maintained that birth asphyxia was the cause of cerebral palsy.

Regardless, the majority of physicians during that time still relied on Little’s findings, paying little attention to Freud’s theories. This changed years later when extensive research showed that cerebral palsy was caused by oxygen deprivation only around 10% of the time.

Research Continued By More Cerebral Palsy Innovators

Although Little, Osler, and Freud are thought of as the greatest innovators when it comes to cerebral, numerous other notable figures continued the research on the disorder. However, they don’t always get as much credit.

For instance, Leonard and Isabelle Goldenson, a married couple whose first daughter was born with cerebral palsy, put in years of effort and research to better understand the disorder and promote awareness.

When their daughter died from complications associated with cerebral palsy at the age of 29, the Goldensons co-founded the United Cerebral Palsy Association in 1950. Today, the United Cerebral Palsy Association is the 5th largest health organization in the United States.

In 1994, the Harvard Medical School named a research building after the couple, the Isabelle and Leonard H. Goldenson Biomedical Research Center. Leonard Goldenson was instrumental in pushing “research toward preventing cerebral palsy.”[5]

Another notable figure in the advancement of understanding cerebral palsy was an activist and author Marie Killilea. She wrote two New York Times bestseller books, “Karen” and “With Love From Karen.”[6] The books are based on Killilea’s daughter, Karen, born with cerebral palsy.

Additionally, Killilea was the co-founder of The National Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Breakthroughs in treatment options, different types of cerebral palsy, early diagnosis, and much more are available today. However, without the great innovators of the past, today’s children may not have all the resources available to them to help them live a successful life with cerebral palsy.

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. ACCARDO, P. (1989). William John Little and Cerebral Palsy in the Nineteenth Century. Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, 44(1), 56-71.
    Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1093/jhmas/44.1.56
  2. Little, W. (n.d.). On the nature and treatment of the deformities of the human frame [electronic resource]. Internet Archive.
    Retrieved from: https://archive.org/details/b21289141/page/n4/mode/2up
  3. Current Approaches in Cerebral Palsy, A Focus on Gait Problems: Editorial Comment. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC) National Institutes of Health.
    Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314753/
  4. Ingram, T. (1966). The Neurology of Cerebral Palsy. Archives of Disease in Childhood.
    Retrieved from: https://adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/41/218/337.full.pdf
  5. Isabelle Goldenson, a Voice for People With Cerebral Palsy, Dies at 84. (2005, March 5). The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia.
    Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/05/us/isabelle-goldenson-a-voice-for-people-with-cerebral-palsy-dies-at-84.html
  6. Killilea, M. (2016, April 12). Karen. Google Books.
    Retrieved from: https://books.google.com/books/about/Karen.html?id=fIYctAEACAAJ
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D.

Dr. Poinsett is a board certified pediatrician. She is a graduate of The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She has extensive experience in the case management of children with special mental health and physical health care needs, including developmental disabilities.

See Full Bio

Secondary Sidebar

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body Parts
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Maternal and Fetal Infections
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillbirth)
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2023 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines