Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a complex condition that can manifest itself in many different forms. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. The CDC estimated that an average of one in 323 children in the U.S. have the condition, exhibiting cerebral palsy symptoms. It can be caused by birth injuries — 20% of new-born babies are diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain birth injury. When looking to treat it or learn more about it, it is always good to know about the different types of cerebral palsy:
Spastic (pyramidal) cerebral palsy
This is the most common type of cerebral palsy. Spastic CP affects about 80% of people with CP; these children have stiff muscles and may show signs of awkward movements.
There are four type of spastic CP — they’re grouped according to how many limbs are affected.
- Hemiplegia or diplegia: One arm and leg on the same side of the body (hemiplegia), or both legs (diplegia or paraplegia) are affected.
- Monoplegia: Only one arm or leg is affected.
- Quadriplega: Both arms and legs are affected, and usually, muscles controlling the mouth, tongue, and windpipe are, too.
- Triplegia: Both arms and one leg, or both legs and one arm are affected.
Nonspastic (extrapyramidal) cerebral palsy
- Dyskinetic Palsy: This type of the condition is associated with muscle tone that fluctuates between being loose and tight.
- Ataxix cerebral palsy:This form is the rarest of all types of cerebral palsy, and involves the entire body. Abnormal body movements affect the trunk, hands, arms, and legs. It can cause problems with balance, precise movements, and coordination.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Some children are diagnosed with more than one type of cerebral palsy, a condition called mixed palsy. For example, spastic legs and problems with facial muscle control may both develop.
In cases where cerebral palsy was caused by birth injuries, a medical malpractice lawyer will be able to help you get the financial help you need to care for your child. Cerebral palsy treatment can be expensive and time consuming — cerebral palsy birth trauma could have had a real impact on the severity of the condition. Get the help you and your child need!