Common Forms of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy comes in many forms with the most common being spastic, ataxic, and athetoid.

Spastic cerebral palsy causes great tension in the muscles. Normally, muscle groups work in pairs and when one tightens, the opposite pair relaxes. Interruptions in messages between the brain, nerves, and muscles cause difficulty with movements.

Children who have ataxic cerebral palsy usually walk with their feet far apart and find it difficult to move quickly or precisely. They usually have problems performing simple tasks such as writing or buttoning their clothes. The condition also causes intention tremor, which causes a child’s arm to quiver when reaching for an object.

Children with athetoid cerebral palsy have issues controlling their hand, arm, feet, and leg movements. It may be difficult to sit or walk. If a child’s face or tongue is affected, they may have problems swallowing, talking, and sucking. Muscle tone may change from too tight to too loose.

About 4 percent of eight-year-old Americans have some form of cerebral palsy and about 8,000 babies are diagnosed with the condition each year.

If your child was born with cerebral palsy and you suspect it may be due to the negligence of a medical provider, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if you have grounds to pursue a cerebral palsy lawsuit. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

Tags: