A Closer Look at the Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect a person’s ability to move, maintain posture, and control muscle coordination. It’s caused by abnormal brain development or damage to a baby’s brain before birth, during delivery, or shortly after.

Individualized care for this  lifelong condition can make a big difference in daily function, comfort, and independence. Our team at Integrated Neurology Services works closely with people and their families to manage cerebral palsy and achieve a better quality of life.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed, it helps to understand the different types of cerebral palsy and how they impact the body. Here’s a closer look at the most common types.

Understanding the causes of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy typically results from abnormal brain development or brain damage that happens before or during birth, but it can also develop in early infancy. A few possible causes include lack of oxygen during labor, infections during pregnancy, bleeding in the brain, or head injury shortly after birth. In some cases, the exact cause is unknown.

Most people with cerebral palsy are diagnosed in early childhood, but some may not get a definitive diagnosis until much later. What all cases of cerebral palsy have in common is that the part of the brain that controls movement and muscle tone is affected, which leads to symptoms that range from mild coordination problems to severe physical disability.

The main types of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is classified based on the type of movement disorder involved. The most common types are:

1. Spastic cerebral palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy affects about 80% of people with the condition. It causes stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity), which can make movement difficult. Spastic cerebral palsy may affect one side of your body (hemiplegia), both legs (diplegia), or all four limbs (quadriplegia).

2. Athetoid cerebral palsy

People with athetoid, or dyskinetic, cerebral palsy have trouble controlling movement. The condition might involve twisting repetitive motions (dystonia) or sudden involuntary movements (chorea). Muscle tone may fluctuate between tight and loose, making coordination unpredictable.

3. Ataxic cerebral palsy

Ataxic cerebral palsy primarily affects balance and coordination. People with ataxic cerebral palsy may appear unsteady, have tremors, and struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes.

4. Mixed cerebral palsy

Some people have symptoms that reflect more than one type of cerebral palsy, most commonly a combination of spastic and athetoid types. This can make diagnosis and treatment more complex — and it highlights the importance of personalized care.

How we treat cerebral palsy

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but multidisciplinary intervention can make a profound difference in your or your loved one’s quality of life. At Integrated Neurology Services, we offer comprehensive, customized care that can include:

• Medication management to control muscle stiffness or unwanted movements
• Physical and occupational therapy to improve strength, coordination, and independence
• Speech and language therapy for those with communication challenges
• Assistive technology and mobility aids, like braces, walkers, or communication devices
• Botox® injections or other treatments for spastic muscles, when appropriate
• Ongoing neurologic monitoring to adjust care as needs evolve over time

Our goal is to support each patient’s full potential — whether that means improving walking ability, enhancing communication, or making daily tasks more manageable. We also provide guidance for caregivers and collaborate with schools and other specialists to create a supportive environment for long-term success.

If you have questions about a recent diagnosis or you’re looking for specialized care, schedule an evaluation with our team today and experience compassionate, expert-led care that evolves with your family’s needs.