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How to Understand Different Types of Cerebral Palsy

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

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. Step 1

    Observe that certain muscles are stiff and weak.

  2. Step 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. Step 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.

  4. Athetotic or Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

  5. Step 1

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

  6. Step 2

    Observe possible tremors.

  7. Step 3

    Note twisting motions.

  8. Mixed Cerebral Palsy

  9. Step 1

    Observe a combination of symptoms, both spastic and athetotic.

  10. Step 2

    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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