Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and posture. It’s caused by damage to the brain either before, during or after birth. There are several different types of cerebral palsy, each with its own set of symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of cerebral palsy and their associated symptoms.
Spastic cerebral palsy
This is the most common type of cerebral palsy. It’s characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms and its symptoms may include difficulty walking, impaired fine motor skills and speech problems. Spastic cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor cortex of the brain, which is responsible for controlling muscle movement. There are two types of spastic cerebral palsy: monoplegia and diplegia. Monoplegia affects one limb, while diplegia affects both legs.
Athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy
This type of cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary muscle movements. Symptoms may include writhing motions, difficulty eating and speaking, and impaired coordination. Athetoid cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the parts of the brain responsible for controlling muscle movement. It can occur in any part of the body but is most common in the hands, arms and legs.
Ataxic cerebral palsy
This type of cerebral palsy is typically characterized by problems with balance and coordination. Symptoms may include unsteady gait, difficulty with fine motor skills and tremors. Ataxic cerebral palsy is generally caused by damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordinating muscle movement.
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are treatments available that can help improve a child’s symptoms. These may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, orthopedic surgery and medication. Therefore, if your child gets diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it is important to work with a team of doctors and therapists to create a treatment plan that is best for your child.