What is Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?

Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects muscle control and movement on one side of the body, typically caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. 

“Spastic” refers to increased muscle tone, leading to stiffness and difficulty in movement, while “hemiplegic” indicates that one side of the body—either the arm, leg, or both—is primarily affected. 

People with this condition may experience muscle weakness, coordination challenges, and developmental delays on the affected side. 

While spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy cases vary in severity, treatments like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medication can help manage symptoms and improve mobility.

This is the most common type of cerebral palsy, accounting for around 80% of all cases.

Why Spastic Hemiplegia is More Prevalent in Children

Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is prevalent in children for a variety of reasons related to early brain development and injury. 

Brain injury or abnormal development can lead to spastic hemiplegia or spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy in children.

Prior to birth, damage to the developing brain during pregnancy, such as from infections, genetic factors, or brain malformations, can lead to hemiplegic cerebral palsy. 

Brain injuries resulting in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy can occur during or shortly after birth due to lack of oxygen (hypoxia), stroke (a blockage or rupture in brain blood vessels), or premature birth brain damage, which increases the risk of brain bleeds (intraventricular hemorrhage).

An injury or stroke during infancy can also cause hemiplegic cerebral palsy, including traumatic brain injuries.

In fact, hemiplegic cerebral palsy is often caused by a perinatal stroke—a stroke that happens before or shortly after birth.

Strokes are surprisingly more common in infants compared to older children because of fragile blood vessels and the immature brain’s susceptibility to injury.

Infections like meningitis or encephalitis can also lead to spastic hemiplegia cerebral palsy.

Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight have an increased risk of brain injury, particularly involving the brain regions responsible for movement control.

Prematurity is strongly linked to cerebral palsy overall, including spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is typically caused by damage to the motor cortex or corticospinal tract (parts of the brain that control voluntary movement).

Since these regions develop rapidly in the prenatal and perinatal period, they are highly vulnerable to injury and any disruption can lead to motor impairments, often more severe on one side.

Finally, advances in neonatal care mean that more preterm babies survive, but they may face a higher risk of neurological disorders & complications, including various types of cerebral palsy.

Signs and Symptoms of Spastic Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy

Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is characterized by motor impairments on one side of the body (usually affecting the arm and leg on that side).

Some physical signs and symptoms of spastic hemiplegia in infants and young children include: 

• Motor Symptoms. Muscle stiffness (spasticity) due to increased muscle tone that causes the muscles on one side of the body to remain stiff and tight. Control movements may appear jerky or difficult, particularly on the affected side.
• Favoring One Side of the Body. Children may favor the unaffected side during activities like reaching, crawling, or walking. The affected arm or hand may be noticeably less active or drag when the child is moving. 
• Delayed Milestones. Delays in rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking may indicate some types of cerebral palsy. Children may also struggle to balance or use their affected limbs.
• Abnormal Gait. Unusual movements or walking patterns may include toe-walking on the affected leg, dragging the foot or leg, or a “circumduction gait,” where the leg swings outward in a circular motion.
• Persistent Clenching or Fisting. Clenching or making a fist with the right or left hand. 
• Scissor Legs. This term is used to describe the behavior when an infant is lifted and their legs appear to cross in a scissor-like position when lifted or move in a scissor or crossover fashion while at rest.
• Hand and Arm Impairment. Weakness and poor coordination in the affected hand (often called “hand preference” at an unusually early age, such as before 12 months). Children may exhibit difficulty with fine motor tasks like holding objects, writing, or buttoning clothes.
• Differences in Limb Size or Growth. The affected arm or leg may appear smaller or shorter due to reduced use and muscle development.

Some neurological symptoms or signs of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy in babies include: 

• Clonus (Involuntary Jerking Movements). These are rapid, rhythmic muscle contractions that occur when joints are extended, such as when the ankle is stretched or tight heel tendons. 
• Seizures. Epilepsy is relatively common in children with spastic hemiplegia.
• Difficulty with Balance and Coordination. Children may struggle with standing, walking, or maintaining posture.
• Sensory Deficits. Reduced sensation on the affected side, such as difficulty detecting temperature or light touch.

Cognitive and developmental may also indicate spastic hemiplegia.

These include: 

• Learning & Developmental Disabilities. Some children with spastic hemiplegia may experience cognitive challenges or learning delays, though not always.
• Speech or Language Disorders & Delays. Mild speech or communication difficulties may occur in some cases.
• Behavioral or Emotional Challenges. Frustration from mobility or gross motor function difficulties may lead to behavioral concerns.
• Visual Impairments. Issues like strabismus (crossed eyes) or visual field deficits can be present, particularly if the brain injury affected visual pathways.

What Causes Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?

Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is primarily caused by brain injury or abnormal brain development before, during, or after birth.

This brain injury usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth and disrupts normal brain development.

Prenatal stroke, oxygen deprivation, brain infections, and traumatic brain injuries are the leading causes.

In spastic hemiplegia, the damage typically occurs between the spinal cord to the motor cortex or pathways in the brain (corticospinal tract) that affects the brain controlling movement.

Since the brain controls opposite sides of the body, injury to one side of the brain leads to motor impairments on the opposite side of the body.

For example, damage to the left side of the brain affects the right side of the body and vice versa — damage to the right side of the brain affects the left side of the body.

Most cases of spastic hemiplegia or spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy result from damage to the brain during pregnancy.

Key prenatal causes include:

• Perinatal Strokes. This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot or blockage interrupts blood flow to part of the developing brain, causing tissue damage. Risk factors for stroke include maternal infections, clotting disorders, or issues with the placenta.
• Brain Malformations. Abnormal brain development due to genetic factors, chromosomal abnormalities, or insufficient blood flow in utero can lead to hemiplegia.
• Infections During Pregnancy. Maternal infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, rubella, or Zika virus can harm the fetal brain.
• Maternal Health Conditions. Conditions like preeclampsia, high blood pressure, or diabetes can increase the risk of brain injury in the fetus.
• Twins or Multiple Births. Multiple pregnancies carry a higher risk of brain injury due to complications like preterm birth or growth restriction.

Brain damage resulting in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy can occur during or shortly after delivery due to:

• Lack of Oxygen (Hypoxia or Asphyxia). Oxygen supply deprivation during a difficult delivery can damage the brain. Umbilical cord issues, placental abruption, or prolonged labor can result in lack of oxygen during labor and delivery.
• Traumatic Birth Injury. Physical trauma during delivery, such as from forceps or vacuum extraction, can lead to brain damage.
• Premature Birth. Babies born prematurely are at greater risk of brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), which can cause spastic hemiplegia.
• Low Birth Weight. Small or underdeveloped infants are more vulnerable to brain damage.

Brain injury that occurs after birth during the early developmental years can also cause spastic hemiplegia.

Common postnatal causes include:

• Neonatal Stroke. These strokes occur within the first month of life due to blood clots, bleeding, or other vascular issues.
• Brain Infections. Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis can cause significant brain damage.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Accidents, falls, or abuse (such as shaken baby syndrome) can result in brain injuries that affect movement.
• Severe Jaundice (Kernicterus). Untreated jaundice in newborns can cause brain damage.
• Lack of Oxygen (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy). Drowning, respiratory failure, or cardiac arrest in early infancy can cause oxygen deprivation.

Complications of Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy 

Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy can lead to further complications that impact a child’s daily life. 

The muscle stiffness (spasticity) on one side of the body can cause difficulty with movement, coordination, and fine motor skills, leading to challenges in activities like walking, writing, or dressing.

Over time, muscle contractures (permanent shortening of muscles) or joint deformities may develop, causing pain and reduced mobility.

Children may experience seizures (epilepsy), learning disabilities, or speech delays, which can affect academic performance and social interactions.

Emotional and behavioral challenges may also arise due to frustration with physical limitations.

At What Age Are Children Diagnosed With Spastic Hemiplegia?

Children with spastic hemiplegia are typically diagnosed between 6 months and 2 years of age.

Signs such as early hand preference (favoring one hand), delayed motor milestones, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stiffness on one side, or asymmetrical movements often become noticeable as the child develops.

A definitive diagnosis may involve physical examinations, brain imaging (like MRI), and monitoring motor development over time.

Treatment and Prognosis for Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Treatment for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy focuses on managing symptoms and improving function through a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. 

Early intervention and consistent therapy with occupational therapists can significantly improve mobility, coordination, and independence. 

While spastic hemiplegia is a lifelong condition, many children lead fulfilling lives with proper support, and the prognosis largely depends on the severity of the brain injury and associated complications.

Regular monitoring and therapy help maximize the child’s functional abilities and quality of life.

Neuroplasticity and Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, plays a crucial role in improving function in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. 

Through targeted therapies like physical therapy, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), and repetitive task practice, the brain can compensate for damaged areas by strengthening connections in unaffected regions. 

Early intervention takes advantage of heightened neuroplasticity in young children, helping to improve motor skills, coordination, and overall function.

Medication for Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy 

Treatment options like medications like muscle relaxants (such as, Baclofen, Botox, or botulinum toxin injections) help reduce spasticity, while orthopedic interventions, such as braces or surgery, may address tight muscles, contractures, and joint deformities.

Our Law Firm’s Experience with Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Settlements

We’re a Chicago cerebral palsy law firm specializing in medical malpractice with extensive experience representing clients in cerebral palsy malpractice, including spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy and children with cerebral palsy. 

We have successfully litigated numerous cases where patients suffered harm due to cerebral palsy malpractice, successfully securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Our expertise in this area often involves collaborating with medical experts to uncover negligence and advocate for their clients’ rights. 

We focus on clients in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. 

Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Common Questions and Answers

1. What is spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy? 

Spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by brain damage, resulting in muscle stiffness and weakness on one side of the body, typically affecting both the arm and leg.

2. What are the risk factors for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy?

Risk factors for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy include premature birth, low birth weight, perinatal stroke, maternal infections during pregnancy, and traumatic brain injury or brain infections in early infancy.

3. Is spastic cerebral palsy caused by medical malpractice?

Spastic cerebral palsy is typically caused by brain injury or abnormal brain development, and while it can sometimes be linked to medical malpractice (such as improper handling during birth or failure to monitor fetal distress), not all cases are the result of malpractice.

4. Can spastic cerebral palsy be caused by doctors?

Yes, spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy can be caused by doctors if medical negligence occurs during pregnancy, delivery, or newborn care. 

For example, failing to address fetal distress, delaying a necessary cesarean section, or improperly using delivery tools can result in brain injuries that lead to cerebral palsy.

That said, not all cases or types of cerebral palsy are due to medical error or negligence. Some arise from natural complications or factors beyond a doctor’s control.

5. Can you sue if your child has spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy?

Yes, you can sue if your child’s spastic cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum care. 

To have a valid spastic cerebral palsy malpractice case, you must prove that a healthcare provider’s actions or inaction breached the standard of care and directly caused the condition. A successful lawsuit can provide compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and other long-term needs.

6. Will a confirmation of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy automatically lead to a valid legal claim against the health care provider?

A confirmation or diagnosis of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy alone may not automatically lead to a valid legal claim against the healthcare provider, as it requires demonstrating that the condition resulted from the healthcare provider’s negligence or improper medical care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. 

However, a confirmed diagnosis of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy can be a critical piece of evidence in building a malpractice case if there is evidence of negligence contributing to the child’s condition.

7. What are the long term impacts of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy?

The long-term impacts of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy can include chronic muscle stiffness, limited mobility, difficulty with fine motor skills, joint deformities, and potential cognitive or speech delays, which may affect a person’s independence and quality of life.

8.  If my child dies as a result of spastic cerebral palsy, will the malpractice claim die as well?

If a child dies as a result of spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a malpractice claim may still proceed as a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the child’s estate and surviving family members, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws.

9. Does the state of Illinois apply any limits on damages related to a spastic cerebral palsy diagnosis?

Illinois does not have statutory limits or caps on cerebral palsy-related damages, meaning there is no cap on the amount of compensation that can be awarded for economic or non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. 

However, it’s essential to consult with a legal professional or check for any updates in the law prior to making a claim for malpractice related to spastic cerebral palsy, as regulations can change over time.

10. How much compensation can I receive in a spastic cerebral palsy lawsuit?

The amount of compensation you can receive for a spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy claim in Illinois and elsewhere varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the long-term impact on the child and family, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

Settlements or jury awards can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Consulting with a qualified attorney who specializes in birth injury claims in your area can give you a better estimate based on the unique circumstances of your case.

11. What should you do if you think your child has spastic cerebral palsy?

If you think your child has spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, consult a pediatrician or specialist to evaluate their development and confirm a diagnosis through tests like MRIs or developmental assessments. Early intervention with therapies such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy can significantly improve your child’s abilities. 

If you suspect a healthcare provider’s negligence caused the condition, consider consulting a birth injury attorney to explore your legal options.

12. How do you prove a birth injury resulting in spastic cerebral palsy occurred?

To prove a birth injury happened due to malpractice or negligence, you must show that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or neonatal care. 

This involves presenting medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of actions (or inactions) that led to preventable complications, such as oxygen deprivation or trauma during birth. 

Additionally, it must be proven that this negligence directly caused the brain injury that resulted in the spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy that has been diagnosed. Expert witnesses are often critical in establishing both the breach and causation.

13. Can you file a malpractice claim for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy?

Yes, you can file a medical malpractice claim for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy if you believe that it resulted from a healthcare provider’s negligence or errors during prenatal care, labor, or delivery. Filing a claim allows you to seek compensation for the damages incurred as a result, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. 

It’s advisable to consult with a qualified attorney experienced in cerebral palsy cases in your area to understand your legal rights and options for pursuing a claim.

Find Out If You Have A Spastic Cerebral Palsy Claim In Chicago, Illinois

Do you think you have a malpractice case due to a spastic cerebral palsy diagnosis that occurred in Illinois? If you are located in Chicago or the surrounding areas, contact the experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers for a free consultation today.