Types of Cerebral Palsy

If the condition is present before birth, it is known as congenital cerebral palsy. If it caused by something that happens during birth, it is known as Erb palsy. Regardless of its origins, cerebral palsy is classified based on symptoms and areas affected.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

This rare form of cerebral palsy affects the fine motor skills of an individual. A child with this condition will struggle with tasks that involve grasping and holding objects as well as with coordination or balance when walking. When focusing on carrying out a task, the child may also have “intention tremor” where his limbs shake more as he tries harder to do something.

Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy

Hypotonic cerebral palsy patients will have noticeable trouble with muscle control from the start. A baby may be unable to control and lift his or head and will have other forms of physical developmental delay over time.

Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

In this second most common form of cerebral palsy, a child will have whole-body muscle problems. This will limit his or her ability to speak or move properly, as well as control bodily functions. Mentally, athetoid dyskinetic cerebral palsy patients will have normal intelligence level.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

This is the most common form of cerebral palsy and is characterized by jerky or rigid muscles and difficulty walking. A child with spastic cerebral palsy may experience problems with the legs and hips or on one entire half of the body. In severe cases, the child will have a diminished mental capacity, difficulty talking, and seizures.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

If it is difficult for a doctor to classify a child into one of the above types, the resulting diagnosis is mixed cerebral palsy. This is a very common diagnosis.

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