Types of Cerebral PalsyTopic OverviewCerebral palsy (CP) is classified according to the type of body movement and posture problem. Spastic (pyramidal) cerebral palsySpastic cerebral palsy is the most common type. A person with spastic CP develops tight muscles in some parts of the body that are unable to relax. Affected joints become stiff and hard to move. Usually, a person has problems controlling movements, poor coordination and balance, and difficulty talking and eating. There are four types of spastic CP, grouped according to how many limbs are affected.
Nonspastic (extrapyramidal) cerebral palsyThe nonspastic forms of cerebral palsy include dyskinetic cerebral palsy (subdivided into athetoid and dystonic forms) and ataxic cerebral palsy.
Mixed cerebral palsySome children have symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy. For example, spastic legs (symptoms of spastic diplegic CP) and problems with facial muscle control (symptoms of dyskinetic CP) may both develop. Total body cerebral palsy affects the entire body to some degree. Complications of cerebral palsy and other medical problems are more likely to develop when the entire body is involved rather than isolated parts. Total body cerebral palsy may include any of the following:
Related InformationCredits
ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofMay 4, 2017
Current as of: May 4, 2017 |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase Topic ContentsThis information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |