How to Understand Different Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a nonprogressive brain disorder that usually develops by age 2 or 3. Birth injuries, prematurity, infections, physical trauma and severe dehydration are all believed to be causes of this disease, and it generally manifests in three types.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Spastic Cerebral Palsy - Most Common

1. Observe that certain muscles are stiff and weak.

2. Note that areas of stiffness may vary. It can occur primarily in both legs, which is known as diplegia. Stiff movement and/or weakness in one arm and one leg on the same side is called hemiplegia. And quadriplegia results in weak and stiff muscles in both arms and legs.

3. Notice that walking is affected. People with this type of cerebral palsy usually have a staggering walk or what is known as a "scissors" type of gait.

Athetotic or Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

4. Note that the affected person lacks control over some voluntary muscles.

5. Observe possible tremors.

6. Note twisting motions.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

7. Observe a combination of symptoms, both spastic and athetotic.

8. Note that the person may also have diplegia, hemiplegia or quadriplegia.

Tips & Warnings

• Professionals usually use the type of movement problem and the part of the body involved in defining the type of cerebral palsy. A child with cerebral palsy also may have problems with balance, speech, seizure disorders, and hearing and vision disabilities.

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