The control centre for purposeful movement, the basal ganglia, is affected. Characterized by constant, involuntary movements that are uncontrollable, unpredictable and purposeless. Usually extraneous movements accompany all voluntary motion which has the athetoids body position in a constant state of change. Ataxia Results from damage to the cerebellum which is responsible for the coordination of muscle functions. Results in uncoordinated movements, awkward gait, lack of hand coordination.
Rigidity Is a result of damage to motor cortex and basal ganglia.
Tremor Results from damage to cerebellum or basal ganglia. Least frequent manifestation, characterized by uncontrolled, involuntary rhythmic motion. Most prevalent when attempting to control movement. No two persons with Cerebral Palsy are affected identically by the damage to the brain. The many possibilities of physical manifestations make it very difficult to group athletes for fair competition.