Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of lifelong movement disorders that, among other things, affect a person’s ability to maintain balance and posture.
It’s the most common motor disability in childhood, and while the causes can be varied, some cases may be linked to medical malpractice during pregnancy or birth. Understanding the different types of cerebral palsy and its potential links to medical errors can be crucial for families affected by this condition.
The four main types of cerebral palsy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies four main types of CP, each with distinct characteristics:
- Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, affecting about 80% of individuals with CP. People with spastic CP experience increased muscle tone, making movements stiff and awkward. The specific type of spastic CP depends on the body parts affected, such as diplegia (legs primarily) or quadriplegia (all four limbs).
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is a type of CP that affects balance and coordination. People with ataxic CP may have jerky, unsteady movements and difficulty with activities like walking and reaching.
- Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is a type of CP that is characterized by involuntary muscle movements that can be unpredictable and worsen with stress or fatigue. These movements can range from tremors to twisting motions.
- Mixed cerebral palsy, as the name suggests, is a type of CP that involves a combination of features from the other categories.
If your child has CP and you suspect medical malpractice may have played a role, you should find out if there’s evidence of negligence. This way, you can explore legal recourse to pursue compensation for your child’s lifelong needs.
By understanding the types of CP, potential links to medical malpractice and seeking legal guidance, families impacted by CP can make informed decisions about their child’s care and pursue any compensation to which they are rightfully entitled.