Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy. It causes increased muscle stiffness and tightness, which can make movement difficult. Children with this condition may have trouble walking, bending their arms or legs, maintaining balance, or coordinating their movements.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may affect one side of the body, both legs, or all four limbs. Although the brain injury that causes cerebral palsy does not worsen over time, muscle stiffness and related problems can change as a child grows.
In some cases, spastic cerebral palsy may be linked to complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. If you believe medical negligence contributed to your child’s injury, Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help you understand your family’s legal options. Our cerebral palsy lawyers have the answers you need.
What Are the Symptoms of Spastic Cerebral Palsy?
Common symptoms of spastic cerebral palsy include:
- Muscle stiffness and tightness: Muscles may feel rigid, making it harder to bend the arms or legs or move freely.
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance: A child may walk on their toes, struggle to stand, or need support when moving around.
- Unusual posture or movements: Muscle tightness may cause the arms, legs, or body to remain in certain positions.
- Delayed motor development: A child may take longer to sit up, crawl, stand, or walk than expected.
- Joint stiffness and contractures: Tight muscles can limit joint movement and may cause muscles or tendons to shorten over time.
- Pain and fatigue: Muscle tightness, joint problems, and the effort required to move may cause discomfort or exhaustion.
- Fine motor difficulties: Some children may have trouble grasping objects, holding utensils, writing, or completing other tasks that require precise hand movements.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cerebral palsy can affect movement, balance, posture, and coordination. Symptoms vary from child to child, depending on which parts of the body are affected and how severe the condition is. If your child was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy, Birth Injury Lawyers Group will review your legal options for compensation.
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What Are the Different Types of Spastic Cerebral Palsy?
Spastic cerebral palsy is classified in part by which areas of the body are affected. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) provides further information about how cerebral palsy affects movement and muscle control.
The main types of spastic cerebral palsy are:
- Spastic hemiplegia: Spastic hemiplegia primarily affects one side of the body, usually the arm and leg on the same side. A child may have more stiffness or weakness on that side, struggle with balance, or have difficulty walking smoothly.
- Spastic diplegia: Spastic diplegia mainly affects both legs, although the arms may also be affected to a lesser degree. Children may have tight leg muscles, walk on their toes, cross their legs when walking, or struggle with balance and coordination.
- Spastic quadriplegia: Spastic quadriplegia affects all four limbs and often the muscles of the trunk. It is generally one of the more severe forms of spastic cerebral palsy and may significantly affect movement, posture, and independence.
How Is Spastic Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
Diagnosing spastic cerebral palsy involves assessing a child’s movement, muscle tone, and development. Parents may first notice signs such as unusual stiffness, delayed milestones, or difficulty controlling movements. If these concerns arise, a pediatrician may recommend further evaluation by a specialist.
The spastic cerebral palsy diagnostic process may include:
- Developmental screenings: These help identify delays in skills such as sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.
- Medical history: A healthcare professional may review the pregnancy, birth, newborn period, and the child’s development over time.
- Neurological and physical examinations: A specialist may assess muscle tone, reflexes, posture, strength, coordination, and movement patterns.
- Brain imaging: An MRI may help identify brain abnormalities or evidence of an injury that could explain the child’s symptoms. Other tests may be recommended when needed.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports research into neurological conditions and child development, helping advance scientific understanding of conditions that affect the developing brain. The Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help connect you to the resources you need.
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What Is Spastic Cerebral Palsy? FAQs
What Is Spastic Cerebral Palsy Caused By?
Spastic cerebral palsy is caused by damage to or abnormal development of the developing brain areas that control movement and muscle coordination. This can happen before, during, or shortly after birth.
Possible causes include infections during pregnancy, fetal or newborn stroke, certain brain injuries, and complications that affect the baby’s oxygen supply. In some cases, medical errors during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or newborn care may contribute to the injury.
What’s the Difference Between Cerebral Palsy and Spastic Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect movement, muscle control, posture, and coordination because of an injury to or abnormal development of the developing brain. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of CP. Birth Injury Lawyers Group can help with your spastic cerebral palsy case.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone With Spastic Cerebral Palsy?
Life expectancy varies from person to person and depends on the severity of spastic cerebral palsy, overall health, mobility, swallowing difficulties, and any other medical conditions. Many people with mild or moderate cerebral palsy live well into adulthood and may have a life expectancy close to that of the general population.
People with more severe disabilities or complex medical needs may face additional health risks that can affect their lifespan. Learn more about how cerebral palsy affects your child’s lifespan.
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Talk to Our Birth Injury Lawyers About Your Child’s Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Birth Injury Lawyers Group helps families explore what is spastic cerebral palsy and what the condition means for their child. Our birth injury lawyers get answers for families impacted by medical negligence. We have helped families build a better future since 2003.
If you have questions about your child’s diagnosis or the care they received, contact us to discuss your concerns and learn about your legal options.
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