What is Cerebral Palsy?

While Cerebral Palsy (pronounced seh-ree-brel pawl-zee) is a blanket term commonly described by loss or impairment of motor function, Cerebral Palsy is actually caused by brain damage.

The brain damage is caused by brain injury or abnormal development of the brain that occurs while a child’s brain is still developing — before birth, during birth, or immediately after.

Cerebral Palsy affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills and oral motor functioning.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

The four main types of CP are: Spastic, Dyskinetic, Ataxic, and Mixed.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The most common type of CP is Spastic CP. People with spastic CP have increased muscle tone. This means their muscles are stiff and, as a result, their movements can be awkward. Spastic CP usually is described by what parts of the body are affected:

• Spastic diplegia/diparesis―In this type of CP, muscle stiffness is mainly in the legs, with the arms less affected or not affected at all. People with spastic diplegia might have difficulty walking because tight hip and leg muscles cause their legs to pull together, turn inward, and cross at the knees (also known as scissoring).

• Spastic hemiplegia/hemiparesis―This type of CP affects only one side of a person’s body; usually the arm is more affected than the leg.

• Spastic quadriplegia/quadriparesis―Spastic quadriplegia is the most severe form of spastic CP and affects all four limbs, the trunk, and the face. People with spastic quadriparesis usually cannot walk and often have other developmental disabilities such as intellectual disability; seizures; or problems with vision, hearing, or speech.

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy (also includes athetoid, choreoathetoid, and dystonic cerebral palsies)

People with dyskinetic CP have problems controlling the movement of their hands, arms, feet, and legs, making it difficult to sit and walk. The movements are uncontrollable and can be slow and writhing or rapid and jerky. Sometimes the face and tongue are affected and the person has a hard time sucking, swallowing, and talking. A person with dyskinetic CP has muscle tone that can change (varying from too tight to too loose) not only from day to day, but even during a single day.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

People with ataxic CP have problems with balance and coordination. They might be unsteady when they walk. They might have a hard time with quick movements or movements that need a lot of control, like writing. They might have a hard time controlling their hands or arms when they reach for something.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Some people have symptoms of more than one type of CP. The most common type of mixed CP is spastic-dyskinetic CP.

How can others help those with CP?

It is important to see the abilities of the people with Cerebral Palsy. We often notice the differences. Instead, focus on the commonalities and strengths. Perhaps they are good at painting or writing, music or games! Find a way to relate.

Be inclusive. People with CP want to be a part, just like the next person.

Be respectful and patient. It may take peers with CP more time than usual, but they’ll get to their goals.

It is always nice to help, however first ask if a person with CP wants or needs help. Sometimes they just don’t want/need help and that’s okay. We can help by just being a friend!

Be empathetic. Understand the challenges of people with CP.

Stand by your friend with CP against the bullies. People with CP face challenges to overcome daily, without the added trauma of bullying.

Educate yourself about CP and then, be an advocate for a friend or a friend-of-a-friend with CP.