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Mixed cerebral palsy

Mixed cerebral palsy occurs when a child is experiencing symptoms of multiple types of cerebral palsy, a group of neurological disorders that affect motor and developmental skills. Because children diagnosed with mixed cerebral palsy may have brain damage in more than one area of the brain, this cerebral palsy type can cause a variety of physical and neurological symptoms. Learn more about mixed cerebral palsy causes, symptoms, and treatment in our free guide.

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About 70% of cerebral palsy cases result from a birth injury. Was your child one of them?

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What is mixed cerebral palsy?

Mixed cerebral palsy occurs when a child exhibits symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy. Children diagnosed with mixed type cerebral palsy have sustained damage to the motor control centers in several parts of the brain.

Mixed type cerebral palsy is the second most common form of the condition and accounts for 15.4% of all cerebral palsy cases.

Symptoms of mixed cerebral palsy vary based on the location of movement impairments and the resulting combination of cerebral palsy types. These movement problems can occur in the legs (diplegia), one-half of the body (hemiplegia), or all four limbs (quadriplegia).

Some cases of brain injuries leading to mixed cerebral palsy are preventable and caused by medical negligence. Your family may be eligible to pursue legal action if you believe your child's injuries could have been prevented.

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Causes of mixed cerebral palsy

Brain damage is the main cause of cerebral palsy. Injuries to the various motor control centers of the developing brain can lead to different types of cerebral palsy.

Brain damage can be caused by:
  • Infections before or after birth
  • Lack of oxygen at birth (hypoxia)
  • Stroke suffered during birth
  • Toxic poisoning such as methylmercury
  • Traumatic head injury in first years of life

There are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of a baby developing cerebral palsy. These include severe jaundice, placental failure, prenatal or maternal infection, and bleeding in the brain.

Mixed cerebral palsy and types of brain damage

The main characteristic of mixed cerebral palsy is the presence of brain damage in multiple motor control centers of the brain. The area or areas of the brain that are damaged will influence a child’s movement limitations and abnormalities in brain development.

Damage to motor cortex

  • Associated with spastic cerebral palsy

    Motor cortex damage can cause spasticity in the muscles, joints, and tendons. This type of brain damage is associated with spastic cerebral palsy.

    The motor cortex controls movement by sending signals from the motor cortex to the other parts of the brain that regulate motor control. The signals are passed to the nerves in the muscles.

Damage to pyramidal tracts

  • Associated with spastic cerebral palsy

    Damage to this part of the brain can cause the motor cortex to unsuccessfully transmit signals to the pyramidal tracts, resulting in mobility issues. This type of brain damage is also associated with spastic cerebral palsy.

Damage to basal ganglia

  • Associated with athetoid cerebral palsy

    The basal ganglia are a group of several types of neurons in the center of the brain. The basal ganglia process signals from the motor cortex before sending them along to the brainstem.

    Basal ganglia damage can cause issues with involuntary movement, lack of muscle control, and fluctuating muscle tone. Damage to this area of the brain can cause athetoid cerebral palsy symptoms.

Damage to cerebellum

  • Associated with ataxic or athetoid cerebral palsy

    Damage to the cerebellum can cause ataxic or athetoid cerebral palsy symptoms. Since the cerebellum controls balance and coordination, children with cerebellum damage may experience issues with posture, walking, and fine motor skills.

Mixed type cerebral palsy symptoms

Because each case of cerebral palsy differs in severity and type of movement problems, mixed cerebral palsy symptoms can vary greatly depending on your child’s unique diagnosis.

The main signs of mixed cerebral palsy are issues with movement, imbalance, and lack of coordination. Mixed cerebral palsy can also cause abrupt and convulsive movements (spasticity). Further, one of the biggest neurological cerebral palsy affects is missing important developmental milestones.

Other common symptoms of mixed cerebral palsy include:
  • Abnormal reflexes
  • Exaggerated, jerky movements
  • Issues with coordination
  • Poor posture
  • Tremors or shakiness

Although children with mixed type cerebral palsy can experience any of the types of the condition, the most common types of mixed cerebral palsy are spastic/athetoid and spastic/ataxic.

Different types of cerebral palsy

The symptoms of the types of cerebral palsy can be found in children diagnosed with mixed type cerebral palsy.

Treatment for mixed cerebral palsy

young girl in leg braces in a wheelchair, due to her cerebral palsy

The goal for mixed type cerebral palsy treatment is to manage pain and encourage independence as your child transitions in adulthood. Treatment can vary for each child depending on their symptoms, and some children will require several forms of treatment.

Doctors will create a care plan with treatment options designed to help manage cerebral palsy symptoms. Treatments may include physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, alternative therapy, medication, surgery, and more.

Mobility aids and assistive devices are also forms of treatment to help children with cerebral palsy move independently and communicate more effectively. There are several options for financial assistance to help your family pay for your child’s treatment.

 

Physical therapy

In physical therapy for mixed cerebral palsy, therapists use strength training, flexibility exercises, massage therapy, and assistive devices to improve mobility.

There are several alternative forms of physical therapy to treat mixed type cerebral palsy, such as aquatic and equine therapies.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy can help children with mixed cerebral palsy to improve motor control and bilateral coordination by using games, toys, and books. The goal of occupational therapy is to help children complete everyday tasks and become more independent in daily life.

Speech therapy

Some children with mixed cerebral palsy experience limited communication and feeding and/or swallowing issues. Speech therapy uses language skills, word association, articulation therapy, as well as jaw and breathing exercises to improve oral skills.

Medication

There are many kinds of medications prescribed to treat mixed cerebral palsy symptoms. Some medications help to control motor function. Medication can also treat co-occurring conditions such as seizures and behavioral disorders.

Surgery

Surgery can be beneficial to children with severe athetoid cerebral palsy symptoms. Additionally, children with spasticity are more likely to be recommended surgery to relieve painful contractures and improve overall movement.

Learn more about mixed type cerebral palsy

It is important to connect with a cerebral palsy specialist as soon as you believe your child may have developed the condition. Cerebral palsy doctors and specialists can give your child an accurate diagnosis and start them on a treatment plan as soon as possible.

To learn more about mixed cerebral palsy, download our free Cerebral Palsy Guide, which contains in-depth information for parents and caregivers.

kristin proctor registered nurseReviewed by:Kristin Proctor, RN

Registered Nurse (RN)

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Kristin Proctor began her nursing career as a U.S. Army Nurse and has been a Registered Nurse (RN) more than 20 years. She has specialized experience in labor and delivery, as well as prenatal, antepartum, and postpartum care. Kristin uses this experience to educate and support families affected by birth injuries.

Cerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness

Sources
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