There are three main types of cerebral palsy, each carrying its own symptoms and complications:
1. Spastic Cerebral Palsy
The most common type of cerebral palsy, Spastic Cerebral Palsy, can develop before birth, during delivery, or within the first few years of life. Spastic CP carries a variety of symptoms, including tight muscles, limbs shorter on one side, and trouble speaking or forming words.
2. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Known as “Athetoid Cerebral Palsy” and “ADCP,” this type of cerebral palsy often causes uncontrollable muscle movements, abrupt twitches, and difficulty speaking. These involuntary movements, which are out of a person’s control, are particularly noticeable when the person attempts to move.
3. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy affects balance and coordination, specifically, in the hands, arms, legs, feet, eyes, and speech. Ataxic CP is the result of a brain injury to the cerebellum either before, during, or directly after birth. Other symptoms include shakiness and trouble with depth perception.
The most common and universal symptoms associated with each type of cerebral palsy are stiff and weak muscles, trouble with balance, uncontrollable movements, and impaired speech.
In the most severe cases, a child can suffer from a combination of all three types of cerebral palsy.