What is Cerebral Palsy?
Effects of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is characterized by an inability to fully control motor function, particularly muscle control and coordination. Depending on which areas of the brain have been damaged, one or more of the following may occur: muscle tightness or spasticity; involuntary movement; disturbance in gait or mobility, difficulty in swallowing and problems with speech. In addition, the following may occur: abnormal sensation and perception; impairment of sight, hearing or speech; seizures; and/or mental retardation. Other problems that may arise are difficulties in feeding, bladder and bowel control, problems with breathing because of postural difficulties, skin disorders because of pressure sores, and learning disabilities.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
CP is caused by damage to the area of the brain that controls muscle tone. Depending on where the brain injury is and how severe it is, muscle tone may be too tight, too loose or a combination of the two.
Spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type, affects about 80% of all cases. It results in tight muscle tone, where the muscles are stiff and contracted. Movements may be stiff and jerky and the individual may have problems moving from one position to another or letting go of something in their hand.
Athetoid cerebral palsy, a less common type, occurs in about 10 - 20% of all cases. It results in uncontrolled, slow, writhing movements and usually affects the hands, feet, arms, or legs. It may also affect the muscles of the face and tongue, which could lead to grimacing, swallowing, drooling or speech problems.
Ataxic cerebral palsy, the rarest form, accounts for 5 - 10% of all cases. It affects coordination, sense of balance and depth perception. Movements may be unsteady and shaky and the individual may experience difficulty when attempting quick or precise movements.
Mixed cerebral palsy affects about 10% of the population. The most common mixed form combines spastic and athetoid movements. The spasticity is usually more obvious at first, with involuntary movements increasing when the child is between nine months and three years old.
Different parts of the body may also be affected by cerebral palsy:
- Quadriplegia affects all four limbs. Problems persist with moving all the parts of the body including the face, and individuals may need a wheelchair to get around.
- Hemiplegia affects one side of the body, either the right or left. Individuals are able to walk or run although it may look awkward.
- Diplegia affects just the legs, or is much more severe in the legs than in the arms.
About 25 – 50% of individuals with CP also have some type of learning disability. About 50% of individuals with CP also have seizures.
Click HERE for the Risk Factors and Prevention of Cerebral Palsy