Athetoid Cerebral Palsy-A Type of Cerebral Palsy

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect normal coordinated movement. It is a permanent physical disability and is non progressive. Cerebral palsy patients have limited movements, speech and learning disabilities. Cerebral palsy may affect an infant in the womb, during or after birth. Damage to the brain's motor areas disrupts its normal ability to control and co-ordinate movements. This condition is characterized by weakness, paralysis and motor dysfunction.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are three types of cerebral palsy. Some individuals can be affected by one or all of them. Spastic Palsy is the most common type. It is characterized by stiff, jerky and difficult movements. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy causes low muscle tone and poor co-ordination of movements. Children with this type of cerebral palsy appear unsteady and shaky. Athetoid Cerebral Palsy is characterized by involuntary, purposeless actions. Mixed Cerebral Palsy features the stiff and tight muscle tone of the Spastic type and the involuntary movements of the Athetoid type.

Distinguishing features of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid cerebral palsy occurs due to extensive damage to the cerebellum or the basal ganglia. Around 10 percent of children suffering from cerebral palsy have this type. It is also known as Dyskinetic cerebral palsy. The cerebellum and basal ganglia are responsible for processing signals that bring about smooth, coordinated movements and control proper posture. Damage to these crucial areas leads to involuntary and purposeless actions, especially in the arms and legs. These involuntary movements interfere with speaking, eating and other voluntary, coordinated movements. Involuntary grimacing, problems in swallowing, slurred speech and drooling characterize a child suffering from Athetoid cerebral palsy. These movements increase during periods of emotional stress and disappear during sleep. Such children have low muscle tone and have difficulty in maintaining correct posture and for sitting and walking. The arms and legs of children suffering from this type of cerebral palsy flutter and move uncontrollably. Patients may have difficulty coordinating muscle movements needed for speech. This condition is referred to as Dysarthria.

Athetoid cerebral palsy can be treated like the other types, by therapy. Speech and physical therapy helps patients lead a normal life.

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