4 Types of Cerebral Palsy

What are the Four Types of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect the nervous system, hindering an individual’s cognitive and motor functions and therefore their ability to move, maintain balance, and keep posture to varying degrees.  

The four main types of cerebral palsy are spastic (or spastic hemiplegic), dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed cerebral palsy or CP. 

Spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type of cerebral palsy according to the CDC, affects muscle control and movement. It is characterized by muscle stiffness (spasticity) and difficulty with coordination, often impacting mobility and motor skills.

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled movements, including twisting, jerking, or writhing motions. These movements can affect the whole body and often vary in intensity, making it challenging to maintain posture and control muscle activity.

Ataxic cerebral palsy primarily affects balance and coordination. Individuals with this condition may have shaky movements, difficulties with precise tasks like writing, and trouble maintaining steady posture or gait.

Mixed cerebral palsy occurs when a patient exhibits symptoms of more than one subtype, such as spasticity combined with involuntary movements or coordination issues. This occurs when multiple areas of the developing brain are affected, leading to a combination of motor impairments.

There is no cure for CP at this time, but with the proper intervention and treatment, many individuals with cerebral palsy can lead full, active lives. 

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is a neurological condition characterized by increased muscle tone, stiffness (spastic diplegia), and difficulty in movement due to damage to the motor cortex or pathways in the brain that control voluntary movement. 

It is often described or classified based on the parts of the body affected, such as spastic hemiplegia (one side), diplegia (legs more than arms), or spastic quadriplegia (all four limbs and torso). 

The primary cause of spastic cerebral palsy is brain damage or abnormal brain development, typically occurring before birth, during delivery, or in early infancy.

This damage may result from factors like oxygen deprivation, infections, premature birth, or traumatic injury.

The condition often leads to challenges with mobility, balance, and coordination, with movements appearing jerky or awkward.

Side effects can include joint deformities, muscle contractures, and pain due to prolonged stiffness. 

Additionally, some individuals may experience associated issues such as difficulty swallowing, speech delays, or cognitive impairments, depending on the severity of the brain injury. 

Treatment for this type of cerebral palsy focuses on improving mobility and quality of life through physical therapy, medication to manage spasticity, and in some cases, surgery.

Although there is no cure, early intervention can significantly enhance a patient’s functional abilities and increase their independence.

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is a type of cerebral palsy characterized by involuntary, uncontrollable movements, which can include twisting, writhing, jerky movements, or sudden spasms.

These movements are often more pronounced when the person is trying to perform a specific task and can affect the entire body, making activities like walking, writing, or eating challenging. 

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the basal ganglia, the area of the brain responsible for regulating voluntary movements and posture.

This damage may occur before, during, or shortly after birth due to factors such as oxygen deprivation, genetic conditions, infections, or complications during delivery.

Side effects of dyskinetic cerebral palsy often include difficulty with posture, speech issues due to impaired facial muscle control, and inconsistent muscle tone that alternates between too tight (hypertonia) and too loose (hypotonia) – hypotonic cerebral palsy or athetoid cerebral palsy.

Individuals may also experience pain or fatigue from the constant muscle activity and overactive muscles. 

While cognitive abilities may be unaffected, the physical challenges can impact daily life significantly. 

Treatment for dyskinetic cerebral palsy or dystonic cerebral palsies typically involves physical and occupational therapy to improve motor skills, along with medications or surgical interventions to manage muscle tone and involuntary movements.

Early intervention can help improve mobility and overall quality of life.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxic cerebral palsy is a rare type of cerebral palsy characterized by difficulties with balance, coordination, and precise movements.

It is caused by damage to the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls fine motor skills, posture, and coordination. 

This damage can occur before, during, or shortly after birth due to factors such as genetic mutations, infections, oxygen deprivation, or brain injury.

Individuals with ataxic cerebral palsy often experience tremors, shaky or unsteady movements, and challenges with tasks requiring fine motor skills, like writing or buttoning clothing.

Their gait may be wide-based and irregular, making walking appear unsteady.

Speech difficulties, caused by poor coordination of facial and tongue muscles, are also common. 

Side effects of ataxic cerebral palsy may also include difficulty with depth perception, slower reaction times, and fatigue due to the extra effort required to control movements.

Cognitive abilities are usually unaffected, though physical limitations can impact daily activities. 

Treatment focuses on physical and occupational therapy to improve coordination, along with assistive devices and, in some cases, speech therapy to enhance communication.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Mixed cerebral palsy is a type of cerebral palsy where an individual exhibits symptoms of more than one subtype.

The most common combination is spastic dyskinetic ataxic mixed cerebral palsy, although others are possible. 

It occurs when multiple areas of the brain are damaged, often affecting both the motor cortex and basal ganglia. 

Causes of mixed cerebral palsy include prenatal factors like infections, oxygen deprivation during childbirth, genetic abnormalities, or traumatic brain injury shortly after birth.

Individuals with mixed cerebral palsy may experience a range of symptoms, such as muscle stiffness (spasticity), involuntary movements, difficulty with balance, and poor coordination. 

The severity and combination of symptoms vary depending on the extent and location of the brain damage.

Side effects may include joint deformities, muscle contractures, speech and swallowing difficulties, and fatigue due to the increased effort required for movement.

Pain and challenges with daily tasks like walking or self-care are common.

Cognitive abilities may also be affected, depending on the extent of the brain injury. 

Treatment for mixed cerebral palsy involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical and occupational therapy for human development, medications to manage spasticity or uncontrolled movements, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

Our Law Firm’s Experience with Different Types of Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Settlements

We’re a Chicago-based birth injury law firm specializing in medical malpractice with extensive experience representing clients in cerebral palsy malpractice cases. 

We have successfully litigated numerous cases where patients suffered harm due to different types of cerebral palsy, 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. 

Cerebral Palsy Common Questions and Answers

1. What is cerebral palsy? 

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle coordination, and posture, often caused by brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. There are four main types of cerebral palsy — spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed. 

2. What are the risk factors for cerebral palsy?

Risk factors for any type of cerebral palsy include premature birth, low birth weight, multiple pregnancies (such as twins or triplets), maternal infections during pregnancy, birth complications, and certain genetic factors.

3. Is cerebral palsy caused by medical malpractice?

Any type of cerebral palsy can be caused by medical malpractice, defined as negligence or errors during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or neonatal care that result in brain injury. 

Examples include failure to monitor or address fetal distress, delayed cesarean section, or mishandling delivery tools. 

However, not all cases of cerebral palsy are due to medical negligence, as the condition can also result from unavoidable factors like genetic abnormalities or infections.

4. Can cerebral palsy be caused by doctors?

Yes, 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 any type of cerebral palsy?

Yes, you can sue if your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum care. This applies to any type of cerebral palsy — spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, or mixed. 

To have a valid 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 cerebral palsy automatically lead to a valid legal claim against the health care provider?

A confirmation or diagnosis of any type of 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, dyskinetic, ataxic, or mixed 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 cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy’s impact can vary widely depending on the severity and type of the condition a given individual is diagnosed with, but they often include lifelong challenges with mobility, intellectual disabilities, muscle coordination, and daily activities.

Individuals with cerebral palsy (spastic-hemiplegic, dyskinetic, ataxic, or mixed) may require ongoing medical care, therapies, assistive devices, and accommodations to manage their condition and maximize their quality of life. 

Cerebral palsy can also affect social interactions, educational opportunities, and employment prospects, leading to significant emotional and socioeconomic impacts throughout the individual’s life.

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

If a child dies as a result of any form of 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 for a 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, as regulations can change over time.

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

The amount of compensation you can receive for a cerebral palsy claim in Illinois and elsewhere varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of the cerebral palsy birth 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, like the type(s) of cerebral palsy involved.

11. What should you do if you think your child has spastic, dyskinetic, or ataxic cerebral palsy?

If you think your child has any type of 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 cerebral palsy attorney to explore your legal options.

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

To prove a birth injury resulting in cerebral palsy 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 type(s) of cerebral palsy that have been diagnosed. Expert witnesses are often critical in establishing both the breach and causation.

13. Can you file a malpractice claim for any type of cerebral palsy?

Yes, you can file a medical malpractice claim for any type of cerebral palsy (spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, or mixed) if you believe that it 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 Valid Cerebral Palsy Claim In Chicago, Illinois

Do you think you have a malpractice case due to a 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 case evaluation today.