How to Understand Different Types of Cerebral Palsy

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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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

Step 1

Observe that certain muscles are stiff and weak.
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.
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.

Athetotic or Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Step 1

Note that the affected person lacks control over some voluntary muscles.
Step 2

Observe possible tremors.
Step 3

Note twisting motions.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Step 1

Observe a combination of symptoms, both spastic and athetotic.
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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