These problems can range from mild to severe. In mild cerebral palsy, the child may be slightly clumsy in one arm or leg, and the problem may be barely noticeable. In severe cerebral palsy, the child may have a lot of difficulties, with the whole body affected. There are several different types of cerebral palsy. This is the most common type of cerebral palsy.
Spasticity means stiffness or tightness of muscles.
The muscles are stiff because the message to the muscles is relayed incorrectly through the damaged part of the brain. When people without cerebral palsy perform a movement, some groups of muscles become tighter and some groups of muscles relax. In children with spastic cerebral palsy, both groups of muscles may become tighter. This makes the movement difficult. Athetoid Cerebral Palsy Athetosis is the word used for the uncontrolled movements that occur in this type of cerebral palsy.