Birth Injury Attorney

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy, often abbreviated as CP, is a brain disorder which affects motor skills and muscle control. Specifically, it is an injury to the brain (hence, “cerebral”) which impairs the ability to use one’s muscles in an efficient and coordinated manner (hence, “palsy”).

Cerebral palsy is not a passing condition; those who have it are typically born having it and will be affected by it all their lives. It can range from a mildly inconvenient ailment to a seriously debilitating condition. As with many medical conditions, cerebral palsy is differentiated into several types.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of cerebral palsy. People with this condition have extremely tight muscles, resulting in stiff, jerky movements. They may also have trouble with fine motor skills, such as opening and closing their fingers.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

People with ataxic cerebral palsy suffer from an effect opposite to spastic CP. Instead of having overly tight, contracted muscles, they have low muscle tone and coordination. They often have problems with balancing, and will appear to be very shaky or unsteady in their movements, particularly when executing precise movements.

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid cerebral palsy is somewhat like a combination of spastic and ataxic CP. Athetoid sufferers shift between extremes of muscle tone – sometimes it is too tight, sometimes too low. They often display involuntary movements in their face, arms, and upper body, and have trouble making small motions. They also have trouble holding a fixed position, making it difficult to sit or stand upright, and to hold onto and use objects.

Cerebral palsy can sometimes be caused by injuries sustained by a baby in the womb or during birth. If your child suffers from cerebral palsy and you suspect that medical malpractice was a factor, a birth injury lawyer from Williams Kherkher can help you decide the best course of action. Call 866-950-9000 today for a free initial consultation.