Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement, balance, and posture. It's caused by brain damage or abnormal development, usually before or during birth. This condition impacts muscle control and coordination; often leading to difficulties with mobility, speech, and other motor skills in developing children.
There are several different types of cerebral palsy as they are classified in multiple ways. The two main classification systems are based on the location of the brain injury and the affected parts of the body. This article aims to shed light on these specific conditions.
While there are several known risk factors attributed to cerebral palsy, medical negligence can further increase the chances of such birth injury from happening. Any injuries incurred while under the care of a medical professional should be legally compensated. Families can get said compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
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Cerebral Palsy Types According to Location of Brain Injury
Cerebral palsy types are categorized by location to help identify the primary motor impairments – guiding treatment approaches and predicting potential outcomes for individuals with the condition. The specific types of cerebral palsy that follow this categorization include:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
The injury in spastic cerebral palsy is typically located in the motor cortex or the pyramidal tracts that connect the motor cortex to the spinal cord. This affects the cerebral cortex, specifically the areas responsible for voluntary movement and muscle control. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, accounting for about 70-80% of all cases. It can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of brain damage.
Its symptoms include:
- Increased muscle tone (hypertonia)
- Stiff, tight muscles
- Awkward movements
- Difficulty controlling movement
- Contractures (permanent tightening of muscles and joints)
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
The injury in dyskinetic cerebral palsy is usually found in the basal ganglia or sometimes in the cerebellum. These areas of the brain are responsible for regulating voluntary movement, coordination, and posture. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is less common, affecting about 5-10% of individuals with cerebral palsy. It is often considered a more severe form due to its impact on multiple body functions.
Its symptoms include:
- Fluctuating muscle tone (varying between too tight and too loose)
- Involuntary movements
- Difficulty with voluntary movement control
- Problems with posture and balance
- Speech difficulties
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy involves damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. This is the least common type, affecting only about 5-10% of people with cerebral palsy. It is generally considered less severe than other types, but can still significantly impact daily functioning.
Its symptoms include:
- Poor coordination
- Unsteady, shaky movements
- Difficulty with precise movements
- Problems with balance
- Intention tremor (shaking that occurs with purposeful movement)
Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Mixed cerebral palsy involves damage to multiple areas of the brain, resulting in a combination of symptoms from two or more types of cerebral palsy. The most common combination is spastic-dyskinetic CP. It affects about 10-20% of people with cerebral palsy. The severity can vary widely depending on the areas and extent of brain damage.
Types According to Affected Body Parts
On the other hand, there is also a classification method for cerebral palsy that focuses on the topographical distribution of motor impairment. It describes which parts of the body are affected, providing a clear picture of the extent and location of motor difficulties. This helps in tailoring treatment plans and predicting functional outcomes.
Through this classification method, cerebral palsy can be categorized into:
| Type | Description | Severity | Frequency |
| Monoplegia | Affects one limb, usually an arm. | Mild | Very rare |
| Hemiplegia | Impacts one side of the body, typically affecting the arm more than the leg. | Mild-Moderate | Common |
| Diplegia | Primarily affects both legs, with arms being either unaffected or less affected. | Moderate | Common |
| Triplegia | Involves three limbs, usually both arms and one leg. | Moderate-Severe | Less common |
| Quadriplegia | Affects all four limbs, the trunk, and often the face and mouth muscles. | Severe | Less common |
Treatments For Cerebral Palsy
A child affected by cerebral palsy may need several complementary treatments/support throughout their life. While treatment needs vary from person to person, several treatments are needed generally speaking. Cerebral palsy treatments tend to focus on:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation (for maintaining/improving muscle strength, balance, and movement)
- Occupational therapy for daily activities
- Recreational therapy for physical and intellectual skills
- Speech and language therapy
- Orthotic devices (braces, splints, casts to improve movement and balance)
- Assistive devices (special communication machines, adaptive equipment)
- Medication
- Surgery (for severe cases – to lengthen muscles, correct positioning, or treat spinal issues)
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Do Medical Malpractices Cause Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy has several common risk factors that can increase the likelihood of its occurrence. These are factors associated with a mother’s overall health and well-being – as well as that of the child. Some genetic and congenital conditions are also at play.
At the same time, when these risk factors are left unaddressed, medical teams will likely face issues throughout the birthing process. Difficult births endanger both mothers and children. As such, medical teams must promptly identify and work around all present risk factors.
Some of the more common medical malpractices that contribute to the occurrence of cerebral palsy include:
- Failure to properly monitor and respond to fetal distress
- Delayed or improper performance of cesarean section
- Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery
- Failure to diagnose and treat maternal infections
- Improper management of preterm labor
- Failure to recognize and address umbilical cord problems
- Inadequate treatment of neonatal jaundice or seizures
Compensation for Birth Injuries
An earlier study found that the lifetime cost for cerebral palsy treatments is $913,000 on average ($946,000 for men; $880,000 for women). Given that this data was from more than a decade ago, it is easy to assume that today’s figures are much higher.
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Birth Injury Lawyer
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
