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The Effects of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy affects an estimated 764,000 people in the United States, according to United Cerebral Palsy. Problems with muscle control and tone may make it difficult to function normally for those who have the condition, although the severity of these effects varies depending on the type and extent of cerebral palsy.

  1. Spastic Cerebral Palsy

    • Between 70 to 80 percent of people with cerebral palsy suffer from spastic cerebral palsy, according to United Cerebral Palsy. This form of the disorder causes muscles to become rigid, resulting in jerky movements that make walking difficult. People who have spastic diplegia are affected by muscle tightness in the legs and hips. The legs may "scissor" or cross at the knees involuntarily. Spastic hemiplegia causes cerebral palsy symptoms on one side of the body only. The arms and legs on the affected side of the body may not develop normally and the muscles may be stiff. In spastic quadriplegia, both sides of the body are equally affected by cerebral palsy. This is the most severe form of the disorder and people who have this form may also be mentally retarded. Due to stiffness on both sides of the body, walking and talking may be particularly difficult. Some people who have spastic quadriplegia also suffer from seizures.

    Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

    • Athetoid dyskinetic cerebral palsy affects the entire body, causing muscle tone to be too weak or too tight. Walking or sitting can be difficult with this form of the disorder. People with athetoid dyskinetic cerebral palsy may be unable to control their movements, making it difficult to speak clearly. Drooling and grimacing may occur as a result of muscle tone problems in the tongue and face. While the physical effects of athetoid dyskinetic cerebral palsy may be particularly severe, intelligence is usually not affected.

    Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

    • Fine motor skills, coordination and depth and balance perception are affected in ataxic cerebral palsy. Maneuvering the fingers to write with a pen, tie shoes or perform other tasks requiring precise motor skills may be very difficult. A wide gait is common with ataxic cerebral palsy, causing those who have this form of the disorder to be unsteady on their feet. Intention tremors may also be a problem. Intention tremors occur when the arm begins to shake as it tries to reach for an object.

    Other Forms

    • Some people have mixed forms of cerebral palsy and suffer multiple symptoms from two or more types of the disorder. Babies diagnosed with hypotonic cerebral palsy have low muscle tone and may have difficulty holding their heads upright. Erb's Palsy affects the brachial plexus nerves in the shoulder, resulting in lack of muscle control and a loss of feeling in the arm.

    Coping with Cerebral Palsy

    • A variety of therapies and assistance devices can help people who have cerebral palsy live full lives, despite the difficulties the disorder presents. Leg braces and splints are useful in preventing involuntary muscle contractions and improving mobility of joints, making it easier to walk. If muscle spasms or seizures are a problem, medication can be prescribed to prevent or reduce these problems. Physical therapy is helpful in preventing muscles from shortening and improving balance, strength and coordination. Severe muscle shortening can be treated with surgery to lengthen the muscles. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, surgery may also be helpful when contracted muscles result in bone dislocations or deformities or stress on the joints.

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