What are the different types of cerebral palsy?

A: Spastic Cerebral Palsy
   • Spastic Hemiplegeia
       ◦ Child typically has spasticity (muscle stiffness) on one side of the body,
          usually a hand & arm, but may also affect a leg. Affected side may
          not properly develop. Intelligence is unaffected in most cases, but
          child may have speech problems. Some children have seizures.
   • Spastic Diplegia
       ◦ Child's lower limbs affected (little to no upper body spasticity); Leg &
          hip muscles are tight. Legs cross at knees, and walking is difficult.
          Scissoring refers to legs crossing when the child is upright.
   • Spastic Quadriplegia
       ◦ Child's legs, arms, & body are affected. This is the most severe form of
         spastic cerebral palsy (some children have seizures). Walking & talking
         are very difficult. The child is more likely to have mental retardation.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Child's balance and depth perception (ability to judge objects in relation to him/herself) are affected. The child will find it difficult to tie shoelaces, button shirts, cut with scissors, and other fine motor skills. Due to balance difficulties, the child may walk with feet far apart. There may be intention tremors, which is a shaking that starts with a voluntary movement, such as reaching out for a toy, and the closer he/she gets to the toy the tremors worsen. Most children with ataxic cerebral palsy have normal intelligence & good communication skills. Some may have erratic speech.

Athetoid or Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy (or Athetoid Dyskinetic)
Child's intelligence is nearly always normal, but the whole body is affected by muscle problems. Muscle tone is weak or tight, causing random & uncontrolled body movements. The child will have problems walking, sitting, maintaining posture, and speaking clearly (tongue & vocal cords are difficult to control). Some children drool if they have problems controlling facial muscles. This is the second most common type of cerebral palsy.

Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Muscle problems will appear much earlier. The baby's head is floppy, and he/she cannot control the head when sitting up (some parents have described their child's movements as similar to that of a rag doll). The baby gives only a moderate amount of resistance when an adult tries to move their limbs. The baby may rest with his/her elbows & knees loosely extended, as compared to other infants whose elbows/knees will be flexed. Some babies may experience breathing difficulties. 

An injury to the cerebellum can cause this type of cerebral palsy.

If you have any questions or concerns about a baby who you suspect may have been injured during childbirth, then you should contact the Gray and White Law team of experienced injury attorneys for a free legal consultation. We are ready to learn about your case, please contact us at any time by confidential e-mail or toll-free call at 1-800-634-8767.