Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before or during birth. There are several different types of cerebral palsy, and each one is classified based on the mobility limitations and affected body parts.

The type of cerebral palsy corresponds to the location of the brain damage. The five types of cerebral palsy are spastic cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy, athetoid cerebral palsy, hypotonic cerebral palsy, and mixed cerebral palsy.

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, and it is characterized by stiff and jerky movements. It can affect one or both sides of the body and ranges from mild to severe.

Ataxic cerebral palsy affects balance and coordination, and it can result in shaky movements and difficulty with fine motor skills.

Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary movements, such as twisting and writhing motions. It can also cause difficulty with speech and swallowing.

Hypotonic cerebral palsy results in low muscle tone and can make it difficult for children to sit up or control their head movements.

Mixed cerebral palsy is a combination of two or more types of cerebral palsy, and it can affect different parts of the body in different ways.

It is important to understand the different types of cerebral palsy to ensure your child receives the appropriate treatment. The team at Cerebral Palsy Guide can provide you with more information on the treatments available for each type as well as financial support options.

Contact us today to get the help your family needs.