Four Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are three main types of cerebral palsy and some people have mixed types which constitutes the fourth type of cerebral palsy. Within these major categories are minor categorizations. There are symptoms which are helpful in determining particular classification.

1. Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by stiff, difficult muscle movement. It is the most commonly diagnosed type of cerebral palsy. Some of the specific subcategories of spastic cerebral palsy include:

• Spastic diplegia is characterized by tight leg and hip muscles and legs crossing at the knees, which can cause difficulty with walking.
• Spastic hemiplegia is diagnosed when only one side of the body is stiff. Arms may be more affected than legs. On the affected side, the arm and leg may not develop in a normal manner. Braces may be needed to correct issues.
• Spastic quadriplegia is the most severe type of spastic cerebral palsy. Spastic quadriplegia often coincides with mental retardation. The legs, arms, and body are all affected. Seizures may also be common.

2. Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid cerebral palsy is the second most frequently diagnosed type. Normal intelligence is typical of those diagnosed, but the body is generally seriously affected by muscle problems. The muscle tone can be weak or tight, and difficulty with walking, sitting and speaking may also accompany this type of cerebral palsy. Drooling as a result of difficulty controlling facial muscles may occur.

3. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

The least diagnosed type of Cerebral Palsy, Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by difficulty with fine motor skills. Balance and coordination may be difficult. It can be accompanied by tremors in certain muscles during some activities or actions.

4. Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Mixed cerebral palsy is characterized by a mixture of the above classifications or failure to fit into any of the above categories specifically.

Injuries can occur at any time, but cerebral palsy often occurs as a result of injury during birth. Medical errors sometimes result in these and other types of injuries. Because of the special attention that is required to care for an adult or child with cerebral palsy, medical bills and other expenses can add up.

Getting Legal Help

If you or someone you care about has incurred a brain injury due to the negligence of another person, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you get compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other expenses resulting from the injury.