What Are the Levels of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a general term used to describe a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination. The different CP classifications help to clarify the severity of each case of cerebral palsy.

CP Classifications

• Cerebral palsy is typically classified according to two areas: affected limbs and body movement.

Limbs

• There are five cerebral palsy classifications in regards to affected limbs. Quadriplegia refers to CP that affects all limbs. Diplegia also affects all four limbs, but the lower limbs are affected more. Triplegia affects three limbs, most commonly both arms and a leg. Hemiplegia refers to cerebral palsy that affects one side of the body. Monoplegia cerebral palsy only affects one limb, usually an arm.

Movement

• CP classifications for movements are spastic (tightness and stiffness in muscles), athetoid (involves constantly moving), and ataxic (poor balance and depth perception). The spastic classification is the most common type of cerebral palsy.

Specific Classifications

• Classifications for limbs and movement are combined to create specific classifications. For example, a CP patient who has tight muscles on one side of her body would have spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Benefits

• By using the specific CP classifications in diagnosing cases of cerebral palsy, it is easier for doctors to prescribe the proper CP treatment.