What is spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy?
Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a type of spastic CP involving muscle stiffness (spasticity) and weakness on one side of the body, usually affecting the arm more than the leg.
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of CP and causes stiff muscles and movement difficulties.
Children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy may walk later than expected, favor one side of their body, or have trouble using one hand.
This form of cerebral palsy is usually caused by brain damage around the time of birth. It may be linked to birth complications, infections, or lack of oxygen.
In some cases, medical negligence may be to blame. If a preventable error led to your child’s condition, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This money can help cover specialized care, therapy, and other resources your child needs to reach their full potential.
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 all forms of CP and other birth trauma. We may be able to help your family, too.
Get a free case review right now to see if you could be eligible to receive money for your child’s lifelong care.
Symptoms of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy affects movement and muscle control on one side of the body. Cerebral palsy symptoms vary for kids affected by this type, but often become noticeable in the first year of life.
- Delayed motor milestones, such as crawling or walking
- Difficulty using one hand, especially during tasks like grabbing or holding objects
- Increased muscle tone (stiffness) on one side of the body
- Poor balance and coordination
- Walking with a limp or dragging one leg
Children with spastic cerebral palsy often benefit from early therapy, mobility aids, and individualized support to help them gain independence and prevent long-term complications.
If you have questions about spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, talk to one of our on-staff nurses for free. They can explain the condition and help you understand your options if your child is affected.
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Kristin Proctor, RN
Registered Nurse for 20+ Years
Risk factors for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is usually caused by brain damage to one side that affects movement on the opposite side of the body.
While the exact cause isn't always clear, several factors can increase the risk of this brain injury before, during, or shortly after birth.
- Advanced maternal age (over 35)
- Exposure to infections during pregnancy
- Low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds)
- Maternal conditions like preeclampsia (high blood pressure) or gestational diabetes
- Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Pregnancy or delivery complications that affect the baby’s oxygen supply
- Premature birth (before 37 weeks)
- Substance use or toxin exposure during pregnancy
Doctors are expected to monitor these risks carefully and intervene when needed. If a preventable medical mistake caused your child’s spastic hemiplegic CP, you may be able to file a cerebral palsy lawsuit and pursue compensation to help cover long-term care.
Causes of spastic hemiplegic CP
Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is typically caused by damage to one side of the brain that affects movement on the opposite side of the body. This damage can occur before birth, during labor and delivery, or shortly after birth.
In some cases, the injury happens later in infancy due to infection or trauma, but most cases are related to early brain development.
- Fetal stroke (interruption of blood flow to the brain in utero)
- Head trauma or physical injury shortly before or after birth
- Infections in the mother or baby, such as meningitis or chorioamnionitis
- Kernicterus (brain damage from untreated jaundice)
- Maternal health conditions, like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
- Medical negligence or errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery
- Neonatal asphyxia (lack of oxygen)
- Placental complications that disrupt oxygen or nutrient flow
- Serious head injuries in early childhood
When a preventable medical error causes spastic hemiplegic CP, families may be able to file a birth injury lawsuit and pursue compensation to help cover lifelong care.
Get a free case review right now to see if you could be eligible.
Complications of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy may face additional health challenges depending on the severity and location of their brain injury. These complications can affect development, movement, and overall quality of life.
- Ankle deformities, such as equinus foot (foot points downward)
- Constipation (infrequent or difficult bowel movements)
- Developmental delays, especially related to fine and gross motor skills
- Hearing problems, including partial hearing loss
- Incontinence (trouble with bladder or bowel control)
- Joint contractures (limited movement from permanently tightened joints)
- Malnutrition related to feeding difficulties or poor growth
- Respiratory issues from poor muscle coordination or tone
- Scoliosis (curvature of the spine, often on the affected side)
- Seizures and epilepsy (linked to the original brain injury)
- Vision problems (such as crossed eyes or visual field loss)
Most of these complications can be managed with early intervention, therapy, and medical care tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Treatment options for spastic hemiplegia
Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy cannot be cured, but many treatments can help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and support a better quality of life.
Some children may benefit from assistive devices like ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), braces, or adaptive tools to help with movement and independence.
Pediatric neurologists often diagnose and manage cerebral palsy in young children. Learn more about treatment for spastic hemiplegia below.
Physical therapy
Cerebral palsy physical therapy is one of the most important treatments for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. It focuses on improving muscle strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination on the affected side of the body.
Therapy helps children gain more independence in walking and everyday tasks.
Medications
Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy medications may help reduce spasticity, control seizures, and relieve pain in the affected limbs.
Medications for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy include:
- Anticholinergics (glycopyrrolate) to manage drooling or tremors
- Anticonvulsants (lamotrigine, topiramate, carbamazepine) to help prevent seizures
- Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections to temporarily reduce stiffness in specific muscles
- Muscle relaxants (baclofen, diazepam) to ease stiffness and improve comfort
These are typically used in combination with therapy or other treatments to support daily function.
Surgery for cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy surgery is less common in spastic hemiplegia than in more severe types of CP but may be recommended in specific cases to improve movement or correct deformities.
Surgical options may include orthopedic procedures to correct joint contractures or improve leg alignment, and in rare cases, selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).
SDR reduces leg spasticity by cutting specific nerve fibers in the spine when other treatments haven’t worked.
Surgery is usually only considered when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief.
Other types of therapy for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Children with spastic hemiplegia often benefit from a combination of cerebral palsy therapy.
Occupational therapy helps improve fine motor skills and supports daily activities like dressing, feeding, and using the affected hand.
Speech therapy may be recommended if a child has difficulty with communication, speech clarity, or oral motor function.
These therapies are often integrated into play and school settings to keep children engaged and support long-term development.
Prognosis of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, but many children with this form of CP are able to live active, independent lives with the right support.
The severity of symptoms can vary, but this type of CP typically affects one side of the body more than the other, often leading to mobility limitations and differences in motor skills between the limbs.
In addition to movement challenges, some children may also face co-existing medical conditions or developmental issues that affect their overall outlook.
- Learning challenges
- Seizure disorders (epilepsy)
- Vision problems
Early diagnosis, regular therapy, and adaptive support can make a significant difference in long-term function, independence, and quality of life.
Get legal help for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy often face lifelong challenges, including muscle stiffness, limited use of one side of the body, and delays in motor development. These effects vary by child but often require ongoing therapy, equipment, and support.
If a preventable medical mistake led to your child’s condition, money from a cerebral palsy lawsuit may help cover the cost of care, including physical therapy, adaptive tools, and long-term support.
A birth injury lawyer can review your case and determine whether your child’s spastic hemiplegia may have been caused by negligence.
The cerebral palsy attorneys in our network have secured over $1 billion for thousands of families. We may be able to help your family, too.
Call us at (855) 220-1101 right now or get a free case review to find out if you could be eligible for financial compensation.
