Cerebral Palsy Types

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that refers to a group of conditions that influence movement and posture control. There are three common types of cerebral palsy, although it is important to recognize that some individuals may have symptoms of more than one type. The condition of having more than one type of cerebral palsy is referred to as mixed cerebral palsy. The other three types of cerebral palsy are spastic cerebral palsy, athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy, and ataxic cerebral palsy.

Among individuals afflicted with cerebral palsy, 30% suffer from spastic cerebral palsy in combination with one of the other three common types. In addition to these variations of the disorder, there are a number of other minor types of cerebral palsy that are rarer and lesser known. However, all children with cerebral palsy suffer from damage to the area of the brain that determines muscle tone, resulting in any number of movement disorders.

Regardless of the type of cerebral palsy your child may suffer from, it is a disorder that has long-lasting and debilitating effects. It is important to have a team of professionals working on your side to provide the attention and care your family deserves. If your child suffers from any form of cerebral palsy, speak to an attorney about the legal options you have as a parent and caregiver.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy:

Ataxic cerebral palsy is a form of cerebral palsy that is characterized by low muscle tone and poor coordination. Physical signs of ataxic cerebral palsy manifest themselves as unsteadiness and an overall shaky appearance, including a wide walking stance, a tremor, or having poor overall coordination. This is due to the effects of ataxic cerebral palsy on one's sense of balance and depth perception.

Ataxic cerebral palsy is a fairly rare form of the disorder, with only five to ten percent of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy suffering from this specific type. However, individuals with ataxic cerebral palsy may also suffer from another form of cerebral palsy.

Children with ataxic cerebral palsy may have a difficult time with quick movements or movements that require a lot of control. They may also find it challenging to control their hands or arms when reaching for something. Naturally, this can lead to great amounts of frustration when performing everyday tasks that others may take for granted.

Ataxic cerebral palsy, though rare, is a serious disorder that requires attention from medical professionals - if your child is exhibiting symptoms, contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy:

Athetoid cerebral palsy, sometimes called dyskinetic cerebral palsy, is characterized by uncontrollable slow movements in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. These movements are involuntary and without purpose. In some cases, the tongue and face are affected and the individual may experience difficulty walking. Additionally, the muscle tone of people suffering from athetoid cerebral palsy can change from day to day or even during a single day.

Athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy is found in ten to twenty percent of people with cerebral palsy, making it more pervasive than the ataxic form of the disorder. The physiological roots of athetoid cerebral palsy stem from damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia areas of the brain. These regions are responsible for coordinating movement and maintaining body posture. Activities such as speaking, reaching, feeding, and grasping may be impaired for individuals suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

During periods of stress, symptoms of athetoid cerebral palsy may appear more frequently. Contrarily, symptoms typically decrease or completely disappear when the child is asleep.

It is challenging for any child to live with athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy. In addition to the frustration of being unable to control some muscle movements, children may also be subject to teasing by their peers. As a parent, you can help make your child's life as comfortable as possible by contacting an attorney and learning about your legal rights. One brief consultation could ensure an undisturbed lifestyle for years to come.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy:

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy. Nearly eighty percent of cerebral palsy patients suffer from this form of the disorder, which limits movement to one ore more tight muscle groups. The condition results in stiff and difficult body movements. Affected children may find it extremely challenging to move from one position to another or to grasp objects.

Spastic cerebral palsy is a result of damage to the motor cortex, or pyramidal tract. This is the part of the brain that helps coordinate body movements. As a result of spastic cerebral palsy, muscles are stiffly and permanently contracted. In addition, some individuals may suffer from uncontrollable shaking that affects the limbs on one side of the body. This condition is called hemiparetic tremors.

Spastic cerebral palsy not only occurs by itself, but also is manifested in mixed cerebral palsy when combined with another form of the disorder. The most common form of mixed cerebral palsy combines spastic and athetoid conditions. This results in a patient with the tight muscle tone of spastic cerebral palsy and the involuntary movements of athetoid cerebral palsy.

Although it is the most common, the spastic form of cerebral palsy can be just as debilitating and unpredictable as any of the other types of the disorder. If your child has been diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy you should be fully aware of the legal actions you are privileged to take. Contact an experienced attorney today.

Mild Cerebral Palsy:

Some people who suffer from cerebral palsy have symptoms that are not obvious or easily diagnosed. Mild cerebral palsy is a form of the disorder that allows patients to lead more normal but still affected lives.

Like other forms of cerebral palsy, mild cerebral palsy occurs as a result of brain damage. However, the severity of damage in mild cerebral palsy cases is minimal when compared to the other types of the disorder. This results in slight impairments that can go undetected by peers and some medical professionals. These impairments often are related to specific physical movements, such as walking and writing.

Unfortunately, some children suffering from mild cerebral palsy do not receive corrective treatment for their disorder. This may be due to a misdiagnosis or being unqualified for therapy through his or her school. As a result, many people who suffer from mild cerebral palsy experience strong feelings of frustration and the perception of being different from peers.

The stress your child must endure while suffering from mild cerebral palsy may be unavoidable, but it is possible to take steps to improve his or her future prospects. Speak with an experienced attorney about your mild cerebral palsy case and learn about your rights as a caregiver and loving parent.