What Are The Different Types Of Cerebral Palsy? Ataxic, Athetoid And Spastic

Published date11 March 2021
Subject MatterFood, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences
Law FirmEnable Law
AuthorMs Jackie Linehan

If your child has just been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) you may be wondering 'what does this mean?' Or you may wonder if your child has CP because of problems that they are having. This is a basic guide to explain Cerebral Palsy.

There are different types of cerebral palsy. Ataxic CP, Spastic CP and dyskinetic CP. Some children will have a mixture

Ataxic CP is where there is difficulty with balance. About 5-10% of children with CP have ataxic CP. This can affect how your child walks and can affect their balance. It is caused by difficulty co-ordinating muscles, Children with ataxic CP may walk with their feet spread apart or their walk may look unbalanced or jerky.

Spastic CP is the most common (about 70% of cases) and is where there is difficulty with motor control and co-ordination. There could be muscle stiffness and tightness. It might be one sided (hemiplegia) just upper or lower limbs or quadriplegia affecting all limbs.

Dyskinetic CP accounts for the remaining 10-20% of cases and is demonstrated by slow and uncontrolled movements of hands or limbs. There can be sudden and extreme changes in muscle tone and posture. Dyskinetic CP is often accompanied by learning difficulties and epilepsy.

Children with any type of CP can also have other difficulties such as vision, behaviour and learning problems.

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition which cannot be cured but therapy input can improve function. It is important that this input is received early when the brain is most accommodating to change. Charities such as The Pace Centre provide support to allow children with CP to maximise their potential. We support both The Pace Centre and Action CP with their aims of supporting children with cerebral palsy to access early intervention.

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain. A child might be diagnosed with cerebral palsy from a parental description and an examination. Sometimes there will be further investigations such as scans (MRI, CT or, in very young babies, ultrasound scans).

Sometimes other investigations such as blood tests will be undertaken to rule out genetic conditions...

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