Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement and posture caused by an abnormality in the brain. The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare classifies cerebral palsy as a developmental disability. Saint Alphonsus Health System defines spasticity as a movement disorder caused by an injury to the central nervous system. Spastic cerebral palsy accounts for nearly 60% of all CP cases. Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is the most severe form of spastic cerebral palsy, impacting the entire body, including the limbs, torso and face.
Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy
People with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy are typically unable to walk independently. Developmental disabilities and health issues are common with spastic quadriplegia, including intellectual disabilities, problems with speech, hearing or vision, and seizures. Delays in movement milestones or motor skills development, including difficulty rolling over, sitting, standing or walking, may be early signs of spastic quadriplegia. There are other signs of CP. However, it’s not uncommon for children without CP to exhibit some of these signs.
More on spastic quadriplegia
According to the CDC, when a baby younger than six months has cerebral palsy, the head may lag when you pick them up from their back. The baby may feel floppy at times, or even stiff. An infant with CP has a tendency to extend their neck and back while being cradled, as if they were pushing away from being held. When the infant is picked up, their legs may go stiff, cross or scissor.
If the child is over six months old, they may not roll over in either direction. Infants with cerebral palsy struggle with bringing their hands together or bringing their hands to their mouths. Infants with CP also tend to reach out with one hand while balling the other in a fist.