Types of Cerebral Palsy

Those afflicted with cerebral palsy are usually restricted in one of three different ways, or a combination of those three. While each individual is affected differently, these symptoms generally have the effect of limiting a person’s activity as well as causing problems with perception and sight, communication ability, and cognition. Secondary musculoskeletal complications are also not unlikely. The type of cerebral palsy will often dictate what treatment the person needs and should therefore be identified as soon as possible.

If a medical professional’s negligence has caused or contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy, the cerebral palsy attorneys of The Driscoll Firm are prepared to help you and your child fight for the compensation you may deserve. Contact us at 800-305-9800 today to discuss your potential case with a compassionate and committed attorney.

The Four Classifications of Cerebral Palsy

The classifications for the different conditions of cerebral palsy, which also describe the affected area of the brain, are spastic, ataxic, athetoid/ dyskinetic, and mixed. Currently, there are no cures for cerebral palsy and medical professionals are restricted to treatment and management of its effects. The following offers a brief insight into each type of cerebral palsy:

  • Spastic – Constitutes the majority of cerebral palsy cases. A lesion in the brain causes neuromuscular mobility impairment from damaged nerves. Can affect one or multiple limbs, as well as the left, right, lower, and upper areas of the body.
  • Ataxic – The minority of cerebral palsy cases. Caused by damage to the cerebellum and affects fine motor skills and balance, as well as a person’s auditory and visual processing.
  • Athetoid/ Dyskinetic – A small percentage of cerebral palsy cases. Mixed muscle tone makes it difficult for the person to walk or hold themselves upright, and also makes fine motor control extremely difficult.
  • Mixed – Any case of cerebral palsy where the person suffers from muscle impairment of more than one classification.

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Medical professionals should be held accountable for mistakes which cause a child to develop cerebral palsy. To learn more about your legal rights and options if your child is living with CP, contact the cerebral palsy lawyers of The Driscoll Firm by calling 800-305-9800.

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