Cerebral palsy it is a consequence characterized by non-progressive motor disturbance referring to his lesion. According to the lesion area, can promote different outcomes that result in functional disabilities. OBJECTIVE: to review by non-systematic way the theme cerebral palsy focusing motor prognosis, including life expectancy and functionality. METHODS: using the Medline and LILACS, data bases searching for the last fifteen years with the terms cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, diplegia, hemiplegia, prognosis. RESULTS: a total of 474 scientific papers were listed and 34 select based on: title, abstract, subject, original article and access through CAPES homepage. Were identified variables that could affect motor prognosis in children with cerebral palsy. The motor impairment from children is directly related to cerebral palsy severity level, therapeutic assistance and cerebral palsy type presented in children. The patients with hemiplegic cerebral palsy showed most favorable motor outcomes compared to diplegic and quadriplegic ones.