Types of Cerebral Palsy

The term cerebral palsy comprises a variety of chronic conditions that concern the body’s muscle coordination and movement. Usually these medical issues are a result of brain damage. Different types of cerebral palsy occur when different areas of the brain are injured. The birth injury lawyers at The Donahey Law Firm LLP have worked with clients for more than 30 years to evaluate and understand cerebral palsy and its outcomes. We offer this information about the differences and causes of palsy. Three of the most common types of cerebral palsy are:

• Spastic cerebral palsy: This form of cerebral palsy accounts for almost 80% of all cerebral palsy cases. Children exhibit erratic or rigid movements when more than one muscle group tightens up at the same time. They aren’t able to hold an object or easily let it go. They also have trouble moving from one place to another.

• Athetoid cerebral palsy: The cerebellum or basal ganglia are damaged in children with this form of cerebral palsy. These areas of the brain process and transmit signals that affect coordination and posture. When the signals are distorted, then a child may exhibit involuntary movements in the face, arms, and main core of the body. These involuntary movements can impede any actions requiring coordination such as speaking, eating, walking, and sitting. Low muscle tone is another symptom of athetoid cerebral palsy.

• Ataxic cerebral palsy: Children with this type of cerebral palsy often appear to shuffle when they walk or shake and tremble when they attempt to grasp small objects, write, or use other fine motor skills. Their poor coordination and low muscle tone affect their sense of balance and depth perception. Their limbs may seem limp.

Considering litigation?

If you think your child’s cerebral palsy may be the result of a medical malpractice birth injury then you should quickly seek advice from an experienced birth injury attorney. In Ohio, a plaintiff has one year from the date of the injury to provide notice to defendants in medical malpractice litigation.  Please feel free to call us at 800.686.1699, or contact us by completing our web form, if you have any questions.