Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs during fetal development, birth, or shortly after birth. It affects body movement, muscle control, coordination, reflexes, posture, and balance. CP is a lifelong disability that can range from mild to severe.
There are four main types of cerebral palsy, categorized by movement patterns associated with the disorder: spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed.
Spastic CP is the most common type of cerebral palsy, affecting 80% of those diagnosed. It is characterized by tightness of the muscles, which can cause stiff and jerky movements. It can affect one or both sides of the body, as well as the legs and arms.
Dyskinetic CP is the second most common type of cerebral palsy, affecting 10-15% of those diagnosed. It is characterized by involuntary movements of the arms, legs, and face, which can be either slow and writhing or jerky and rapid.
Ataxic CP is the least common of the four types, affecting 5-10% of those diagnosed. It is characterized by a lack of muscle coordination and a shaky gait.
Mixed CP is a combination of the other three types and affects about 5% of those diagnosed. It is characterized by a combination of spasticity, dyskinesia, and ataxia.
No matter the type, cerebral palsy can cause a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties. While there is no cure for CP, there are treatments available to help individuals manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.