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Restricted Limbs Due to Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder, caused by brain damage, that affects body movement and muscle coordination. Restricted limb use is associated with cerebral palsy. In fact, restricted limb use is a major element in classifying types of CP.

  1. Classifying Types of CP

    • Classifications of cerebral palsy are determined by the number of affected limbs and body movement. Quadriplegia, diplegia, triplegia, hemiplegia and monoplegia are the classifications of CP based on restricted limb use.

    Arms

    • Triplegia and monoplegia affect the arms the most. Most cases of triplegia cerebral palsy involve both arms along with one leg. Cases of monoplegia only affect one limb, typically an arm.

    Legs

    • Diplegia cerebral palsy creates restricted limb use on both arms and legs. However, the legs are usually affected more than the arms.

    Arms and Legs

    • Quadriplegia affects all four limbs equally. With hemiplegia CP, only one half of the body is affected, which means only one arm and one leg are restricted.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for restricted limb use caused by CP may include physical therapy and occupational therapy. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening weak limbs; occupational therapy teaches how to compensate for restricted limb use to make a person with CP more independent.

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