What is spastic cerebral palsy?
Spastic cerebral palsy occurs when brain damage or abnormal development affects the areas of the brain responsible for controlling muscle movement.
Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. It leads to muscle stiffness, tightness, and jerky, uncontrolled movements. These symptoms can impact a child’s ability to move smoothly and perform everyday tasks, like walking or picking up objects.
In spastic CP, the muscle stiffness can vary from mild to severe, depending on how much of the brain is affected.
Some children may experience stiffness in just one arm or leg, while others may have difficulty moving multiple parts of their body. In severe cases, it can also impact speech, swallowing, and fine motor skills.
CP is typically diagnosed in early childhood as children begin to miss important developmental milestones.
In many cases, spastic CP is caused by brain injury during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after birth. Premature birth, a lack of oxygen to the brain, and infections are common risk factors.
If your child’s spastic cerebral palsy was caused by a preventable birth injury, you may be eligible for financial support to help with the cost of treatment and other needs.
Cerebral Palsy Guide works with a network of top birth injury lawyers across the country. Our legal partners have recovered over $1 billion for families affected by birth injuries, like spastic cerebral palsy. We may be able to help your family, too.
Get a free case review right now to see if you could be eligible for financial compensation.
Types of spastic cerebral palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy can be classified into 3 main subtypes based on the parts of the body that are affected by muscle stiffness and movement problems. Learn more about the types of spastic cerebral palsy below.
- Spastic diplegia
- Spastic hemiplegia
- Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy
This type of CP primarily affects the legs, with the arms being less commonly impacted. Children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy often experience tightness in the hip and leg muscles.
The tightness can lead to a condition known as "scissoring," which is when the legs pull together and cross at the knees. This makes walking difficult, and children may need assistive devices like leg braces or a walker.
Although the legs are most affected, some children may have mild stiffness in the arms or face as well. Intelligence and language skills are typically normal for children with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia.
Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy affects one side of the body, usually involving the arms more than the legs. The affected arm may appear more rigid and smaller compared to the other arm.
In severe cases, the child may experience difficulty with fine motor skills, like gripping objects or using their hand. Walking may be delayed, and children may walk on tiptoe.
Some children with spastic hemiplegia may also develop scoliosis (curvature of the spine) as they grow. Despite the movement challenges, intelligence is generally unaffected in children with spastic hemiplegia.
Cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia is the most severe form of the subtypes and affects all four limbs, as well as the trunk and face.
Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy symptoms include severe stiffness in the muscles, especially in the arms and legs, which can limit mobility.
Many children with spastic quadriplegia have difficulty speaking, and some may experience seizures. Cognitive development can also be affected, and children may experience moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.
Walking is often not possible for children with spastic quadriplegia, and they may rely on wheelchairs or other assistive devices for mobility.
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Causes of spastic CP
Cerebral palsy is a broad term for developmental movement disorders caused by brain injury or abnormal brain development. Each type of cerebral palsy results from damage to specific parts of the brain.
Spastic cerebral palsy occurs when the motor cortex and pyramidal tracts of the brain are damaged. The motor cortex is responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements, and the pyramidal tracts act as pathways that send signals from the motor cortex to the spinal cord.
Damage to the motor cortex
Brain damage to the motor cortex disrupts the ability to control movements, causing them to become stiff, jerky, or "spastic." This results in the characteristic muscle stiffness and movement difficulties seen in individuals with spastic CP.
Damage to the pyramidal tracts
The pyramidal tracts are pathways that transmit movement signals from the motor cortex to the spinal cord. If the pyramidal tracts are damaged, the brain cannot properly communicate with the spinal cord, which impairs motor control.
The spinal cord, along with the brain and brainstem, makes up the central nervous system. This system is essential for functions like movement, touch, and sight. Damage to the pyramidal tracts interferes with these processes, causing the motor control issues observed in spastic cerebral palsy.
Risk factors of spastic cerebral palsy
Certain cerebral palsy risk factors can increase the odds of a child developing spastic CP. Although the exact cause of brain damage is not always known, some complications are more commonly linked to the condition.
- Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks are more likely to experience brain injuries that may lead to cerebral palsy, especially if born very early.
- Low birth weight: Infants weighing less than 5 pounds at birth have a higher risk, particularly those born with extremely low birth weight.
- Pregnancy complications: Infections, poor maternal health, or problems with the placenta can disrupt normal brain development.
- Lack of oxygen during delivery: Difficult or prolonged labor, umbilical cord problems, or blocked airways can limit oxygen to the baby’s brain during birth.
- Infections or head injuries after birth: Conditions like meningitis (brain infection) or trauma in the first months or years of life can damage the parts of the brain that control movement.
Health care providers are responsible for recognizing and managing these risk factors before, during, and after birth. If they fail to do so, it could mean that medical malpractice is involved.
By closely monitoring high-risk pregnancies, responding quickly to complications, and treating infections early, doctors may be able to prevent the brain injuries that lead to spastic cerebral palsy.
When medical professionals fail to manage these risks, the results can be catastrophic. If you believe your child’s spastic cerebral palsy could have been prevented, your family may be eligible for financial compensation.
Get a free case review right now to see if you may qualify.
Signs and symptoms of spastic cerebral palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy symptoms are different for every child. The variations in CP symptoms depend on the severity of the child’s brain injury and any co-occurring disorders that may be present.
- Abnormal reflexes
- Contractures (permanently shortened muscles or tendons)
- Crossed knees
- Exaggerated movements
- Joints don't fully extend
- Limited mobility
- Stiff, tight muscles (hypertonia) on one or both sides of the body
- Unusual gait (manner of walking)
- Walking on tiptoes
Co-occurring conditions may also arise, such as hearing and vision impairment. These are not caused by cerebral palsy itself but by the same brain damage or injury that led to the condition.
Signs of cerebral palsy can be hard to recognize in early childhood. Symptoms often don’t appear until a child starts missing developmental milestones.
Jerky reflexes are common in toddlerhood, and a full diagnosis may not be made until age 5, when delays become more noticeable.
Diagnosing spastic cerebral palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed in early childhood, though signs may be present as early as infancy.
Diagnosis often begins when parents or doctors notice developmental delays, such as difficulty with muscle control, stiff movements, or trouble reaching milestones like crawling or walking.
There is no single test for diagnosing spastic cerebral palsy. Instead, health care providers use a combination of physical exams, developmental screenings, and imaging tests to assess a child’s muscle tone, reflexes, coordination, and motor skills.
Common tools and evaluations used to diagnose cerebral palsy include:
- Blood tests or metabolic screenings to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms
- Developmental monitoring and screening to track physical and motor milestones
- Imaging tests, like an MRI or CT scan, to look for signs of brain damage
- Neurological exams to check muscle tone, strength, posture, and reflexes
Spastic cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition, but it may take time to reach a diagnosis, especially if symptoms are mild. In some cases, it can take months or years of observation before a clear diagnosis is made.
If you think your child may be showing signs of cerebral palsy, connect with one of our nurses for free. They’re here to listen to your story and help you figure out what to do next.
Treatment for spastic cerebral palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy treatment options vary with each case. The severity of symptoms, the location of movement problems, and any secondary conditions are the biggest factors in developing a treatment plan.
However, there are 5 main routes of treatment for CP: medication, surgery, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Physical therapy
The first type of treatment plan recommended for children with spastic CP is typically physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy is to provide as much independence to the child as possible. This treatment is centered on flexibility exercises and stretching out stiff muscles.
Physical therapists will typically use daily range-of-motion (ROM) and stretching exercises to improve the mobility of joints and soft tissues.
They often use age-appropriate toys and games to make the therapy enjoyable for the child. This type of therapy can help improve overall motor function and prevent any future complications.
Occupational therapy
Another form of therapy used to treat children with spastic CP is occupational therapy. The goal of occupational therapy is to improve a child’s ability to perform daily tasks and activities independently at home, school, and work.
Therapists perform exercises that target certain muscles in the wrist, forearm, thumb, and upper body. This treatment is beneficial for spastic CP because it focuses on improving motor control, bilateral coordination, and muscle weakness.
Occupational therapists can also assess the need for various assistive devices, such as adaptive scissors or writing utensils.
Speech therapy
Cerebral palsy speech therapy is used to improve oral movements in children with spastic CP. The objective of speech therapy is to strengthen the muscles used for speech, which helps with articulation and coordination.
Some children with this type of CP may experience drooling or difficulty swallowing or speaking. Caregivers can perform exercises that incorporate assistive communication devices, which can help improve motor and cognitive abilities, as well as confidence.
Speech therapy provides the tools for children with spastic CP to clearly communicate their thoughts and socialize with others. This form of therapy can also help make chewing, breathing, and swallowing easier, allowing for improved growth and development.
Medication
Cerebral palsy medications, like benzodiazepines, are taken orally to relieve muscle stiffness and improve movement throughout the body. There are also medications that can treat muscle stiffness in specific parts of the body.
For targeted relief, botulinum toxin injections (such as Botox®) may be used to temporarily relax specific muscle groups. This approach can be especially helpful for children with spasticity in localized areas, such as the legs, arms, or jaw.
For a child with spastic CP that also experiences seizures, doctors often prescribe medications that can control the frequency of these episodes.
Similarly, medications such as diazepam (Valium®) can be used to relax muscles. This is particularly helpful in treating spasticity in the lower legs.
The goal is to find cerebral palsy medications that work well with the fewest side effects.
Surgery
Cerebral palsy surgery may be needed for some children with spastic CP to improve mobility, relieve pain, or prevent long-term joint issues.
These are 3 common surgical procedures for cerebral palsy:
- Orthopedic surgery, such as SEMLS (single-event multilevel surgery), corrects several muscle or bone problems in one surgical session. This may include tendon lengthening, muscle release, or bone realignment to help with walking and posture.
- Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical procedure that reduces spasticity by cutting overactive nerve fibers in the spinal cord.
- Intrathecal baclofen pump implantation delivers muscle relaxant directly to the spinal cord to manage severe stiffness.
These procedures can be costly when combined with hospital stays, recovery, and long-term rehabilitation. If spastic cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, lawsuit compensation may help cover surgery and other ongoing care needs.
Get a free case review right now to see if you may be eligible.
Long-term impact of spastic CP
The long-term effects (prognosis) of spastic cerebral palsy can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and the body areas affected. While some children may grow up with only mild movement challenges, others may face more complex, lifelong disabilities that require ongoing care.
Muscle stiffness and mobility issues often persist into adulthood. This can lead to joint problems, pain, and difficulty with everyday tasks like walking, dressing, or eating.
- Challenges with vision, hearing, or feeding
- Delays in learning or intellectual disabilities
- Epilepsy (seizures) that require medication
- Speech and communication difficulties
Many individuals with spastic CP need assistive devices like braces, walkers, or wheelchairs. Long-term care may involve physical therapy, medication, and regular medical appointments.
Although spastic CP is not a progressive condition — meaning it doesn’t worsen over time — the physical stress on the body can increase. Early intervention and consistent support can help improve quality of life and promote greater independence as children grow.
Get help for spastic cerebral palsy
Children with spastic cerebral palsy may face a wide range of challenges, including muscle stiffness, jerky movements, and delayed motor skills. These symptoms vary based on the type of spastic CP and the extent of brain injury involved.
Tracking your child’s development is key. If your child struggles with movement or misses key milestones, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. With early intervention, many children with spastic cerebral palsy can improve their mobility and gain more independence.
For many families, a diagnosis brings hard questions — especially about what caused their child’s condition. If a medical mistake led to your child’s brain injury, taking legal action may help your family secure the financial support needed for surgery, therapy, and long-term care.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can review your case and help determine if your child’s spastic CP was preventable. The birth injury attorneys in our network have secured over $1 billion for families like yours. We may be able to help your family, too.
Call us right now at (855) 220-1101, or get a free case review to find out if you could be eligible for financial compensation.