Cerebral Palsy is classified according to the main type of movement that an individual makes, along with the region of the mind that has been impacted. There are 4 kinds:

- Stiff Muscles (Spasticity)
- Uncontrollable Movement (Dyskinesia)
- Poor Balance and Coordination (Ataxia)

Types of Cerebral Palsy

A majority of the cases are born with this disability, while others acquire it after birth. Causes  are largely unknown, but possibilities include:

- Damage to the white matter of the brain
- Abnormal development of the brain
- Bleeding in the brain
- Severe lack of oxygen in the brain

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Physiology
- Impacts
- Solutions
- Symptomology

Topics within Cerebral Palsy

“Cerebral Palsy: Hope through Research.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 9 Sept. 2021, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Cerebral-Palsy-Hope-Through-Research. 

"Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research" (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)


Impacts of Cerebral Palsy

Physiology of Cerebral Palsy

There is a wide variety of possible symptoms which varies along with the area of the brain damaged:

- Lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia)
- stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes
- weakness in one or more arm/leg
- variations in muscle tone (either too stiff or too floppy)
- Excessive drooling or difficulties swallowing or speaking
- Tremor or random involuntary movements
- Delays in reaching motor skill milestone
- Difficulty with precise movements such as writing

Symptomology of Cerebral Palsy

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy. However, there are treatments that can lesson the symptoms:

- Medications (muscle or nerve injections, oral muscle relexants, drooling medication) can help lessen muscle tightness, treat pain, and  reduce spasticity.
- Physical Therapy (muscle training), occupational therapy (gaining independence in daily activities), speech and language therapy (sign language or clarity in speech), recreational therapy (improving motor skills and mental health)
- Surgical Procedures (orthopedic surgery) can help in lengthening muscles, lessoning pain, and improving mobility. In severe cases, cutting nerve fibers reduces pain but can cause numbness.

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