What is spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy?
Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is a severe form of CP that affects muscle control in the arms, legs, and body. It causes extreme muscle stiffness (spasticity) in all four limbs and can impact speech, swallowing, and coordination.
This type of cerebral palsy is also known as bilateral spastic CP and is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.
Children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy typically need lifelong care, including physical therapy, medical equipment, and support with daily activities.
In some cases, the condition may have been caused by a preventable medical error — and families could be entitled to financial compensation.
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 cerebral palsy and other birth injuries. 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 quadriplegic cerebral palsy
Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. Recognizing these signs early is critical for getting proper treatment and support.
- Abnormal movements and posture: Jerky movements, scissoring of the legs, and problems with balance or coordination
- Muscle issues: Stiff or floppy muscles, increased muscle tone (spasticity), and general weakness
- Mobility limitations: Difficulty walking or complete inability to walk
- Speech and swallowing problems: Trouble speaking clearly and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Cognitive and sensory challenges: Learning delays, intellectual disabilities, and chronic pain in the limbs
Children with spastic quadriplegic CP often need lifelong care, including therapy, mobility support, and medical treatment. Early intervention is key to managing symptoms and improving daily life.
If you have questions about spastic quadriplegic 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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Risk factors for spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy
While the main cause of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is injury to the developing brain, there are a number of risk factors that can make brain damage more likely to occur.
- Advanced maternal age (over 35)
- Exposure to infections during pregnancy
- Low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds)
- Maternal conditions like preeclampsia (involving dangerously high blood pressure)
- Multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Premature birth (before 37 weeks)
- Pregnancy or delivery complications affecting oxygen supply
- Substance use or exposure to toxins
Doctors must closely monitor and manage these risk factors to protect a baby’s health. If they fail to do so and your child develops spastic quadriplegic CP, you may be able to sue for cerebral palsy and pursue financial aid to give your child the best possible life.
Causes of spastic quadriplegic CP
Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. In rare cases, it may develop later in infancy due to a serious illness or injury, but most cases begin around the time of delivery.
This type of CP occurs when the pathways between the brain’s motor cortex and spinal cord are damaged, disrupting the ability to control movement.
Causes of brain damage linked with spastic quadriplegic CP include:
- Birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen during or after delivery)
- Fetal stroke
- Gestational diabetes or other maternal health issues
- Head trauma or physical injuries during birth
- Kernicterus (brain damage caused by untreated jaundice)
- Maternal and newborn infections, like meningitis or chorioamnionitis
- Medical negligence or errors during prenatal care or delivery
- Placental complications affecting blood or oxygen supply
When medical mistakes cause spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, legal action may help your family afford top-quality care, therapy, equipment, and long-term support.
Get a free case review right now to see if you may qualify.
Complications of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy
Children with spastic quadriplegic CP often face additional medical challenges linked to their condition. These complications can affect their daily functioning, development, and overall health.
- Ankle deformities
- Constipation (infrequent or hard bowel movements)
- Developmental delays
- Hearing problems
- Incontinence (trouble controlling bladder or bowels)
- Joint contractures (frozen or tight joints)
- Malnutrition
- Respiratory issues
- Scoliosis (curved spine)
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Vision problems
Many of these issues require long-term management. Getting a clear diagnosis and supportive care early on can help prevent complications from worsening.
Treatment options for spastic quadriplegia
Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but a range of treatments may help ease symptoms, improve movement, and support a better quality of life.
Many children also benefit from assistive devices like wheelchairs, braces, or communication tools, depending on their needs.
Learn more about treatment for spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy below.
Medication
Spastic cerebral palsy medications may help manage muscle tightness, reduce pain, and control seizures or other symptoms.
- Anticholinergics (glycopyrrolate) to reduce drooling or tremors
- Anticonvulsants (lamotrigine, topiramate, carbamazepine) to prevent seizures
- Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections to temporarily reduce limb stiffness
- Muscle relaxants (baclofen, diazepam, dantrolene) to ease spasticity and pain
These medications are often used alongside therapy or surgery as part of a broader treatment plan.
Surgery for cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy surgery may be recommended to reduce spasticity, correct bone or joint deformities, or improve overall mobility.
- Feeding tube placement for children with severe swallowing difficulties or aspiration risk
- Orthopedic surgery to lengthen tendons, align bones, or ease joint stiffness
- Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) to reduce leg spasticity by cutting spinal nerve fibers
Surgery is usually considered when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief, and it’s often followed by rehabilitation to support recovery and results.
Physical therapy
Cerebral palsy physical therapy can help children with spastic quadriplegia to improve their muscle strength, motor function, and flexibility.
Physical therapy can help children build mobility, reduce contractures, and maintain better posture over time.
Other types of therapy for spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy
Children with spastic quadriplegic CP often benefit from both speech and occupational therapy.
Speech therapy can improve communication, understanding, and feeding. For children who are nonverbal or have trouble speaking, therapists may introduce assistive communication devices.
Occupational therapy focuses on building the fine motor skills needed for daily tasks like feeding, dressing, or using adaptive tools.
These therapies are often delivered through play-based activities to keep children engaged while working on critical skills.
Prognosis of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy
Spastic quadriplegic CP is a lifelong condition that often leads to significant physical and developmental challenges.
The condition itself doesn’t get worse, but its effects can be severe and typically require 24/7 care. A child’s long-term outlook depends on how serious the symptoms are and whether any other conditions are present.
- Cognitive impairments
- Feeding difficulties
- Seizure disorders (epilepsy)
- Vision problems
While outcomes vary, early intervention and consistent care can help prevent complications and support a better quality of life.
Get legal help for spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy
Children with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy often face severe challenges, including muscle stiffness, jerky movements, and delayed motor skills. These symptoms depend on the extent of brain damage and usually require long-term support.
This kind of lifelong disability can be emotionally and financially overwhelming for families. If a medical mistake led to your child’s condition, a cerebral palsy lawsuit may help your family afford critical care like surgery, therapy, and mobility aids.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can review your case and help determine if your child’s spastic quadriplegia was preventable.
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 right now at (855) 220-1101, or get a free case review to find out if you could be eligible for financial compensation.
