The most common type of cerebral palsy is known as spastic cerebral palsy. It is a condition that causes muscle stiffness and involuntary muscle movements. Usually, it affects muscles in the legs, arms, and face either independently or together. However, there are some treatments that may help reduce the symptoms.
In other words, this condition causes increased muscle tone (also known as spasticity) and stiffness. Sometimes, this disorder can be painful, especially if you develop a severe form. However, the symptoms may appear differently among people with this movement disorder. For instance, it may be difficult for some children to walk by rolling their step, and more comfortable to walk on their tiptoes. In addition, sudden movements (including reaching out to catch a ball) can trigger pain.
Generally, cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that negatively affect the brain and nerves and cause movement and coordination problems.
Types of Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Healthcare professionals have divided this type of cerebral palsy into 3 subtypes. For example:
- Spastic diplegia/diparesis – This type causes symptoms in the child’s legs. As a result, he/she may experience walking problems.
- Spastic hemiplegia/hemiparesis – In such cases, symptoms occur on one side of the body (either the right or left side).
- Spastic quadriplegia/quadriparesis – The third type of this disorder often affects muscles anywhere in the body (including the face). Furthermore, this is the most severe form of cerebral palsy because it may also cause cognitive delay, seizures, and other severe symptoms.
Symptoms
The symptoms usually appear depending on the type and severity of the condition, overall health, and other factors. Check below some of them:
- Stiff or tight muscles
- Pain in the muscles
- Involuntary muscle movements (also known as spasms)
In addition, those who develop this condition usually experience other symptoms before the previous ones. Check below for the first signs of this type of cerebral palsy:
- Increased tightness or tone in the child’s limbs
- Difficulty extending the joints
- Problems with walking or coordination
- Abnormal gait or stride
- Walking on tiptoes only
- Delayed development (including crawling, walking, or grabbing)
If you notice any of the previous signs of spastic cerebral palsy, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Causes
This type of cerebral palsy happens due to an injury that causes problems in the brain pathways that control muscles and movement. While it may occur due to reduced oxygen to the brain, it may also happen due to an injury or a genetic mutation (change). Usually, reduced oxygen or a lack of oxygen to the brain may occur during pregnancy, birth, or soon after birth in the following cases. Examples include:
- Brain injuries due to infections or trauma (traumatic brain injury)
- Bleeding in the brain (also known as hemorrhagic stroke)
- Ischemic stroke
Risk Factors
Physicians have identified some factors that could increase the risk of developing spastic cerebral palsy. Check some examples below:
- Reduced birth weight
- Preterm birth (born too early)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Infections during pregnancy
- Multiples in the uterus (such as twins or triplets)
- Pregnancy complications (including uterine rupture, placental abruption, and others)
- Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals or toxins that cause damage to the brain (including mercury)
What Are The Possible Complications of Spastic Cerebral Palsy?
People with this condition may also experience some complications. It may occur if the affected person does not get treatment or develops a severe form of this disorder. Examples include:
- Seizures
- Vision loss (also known as blindness)
- Hearing loss (deafness)
- Intellectual disability (problems with cognitive development)
- Difficulty with speech and communication
- Joint pain and deformities
- Scoliosis
- Sleep disorders
- Gastrointestinal problems (including constipation)
- Incontinence
This document does not have all the possible complications of this disorder. However, you can talk with your doctor about ways to prevent these complications.
How to Prevent Spastic Cerebral Palsy?
Unfortunately, not all cases of this disorder can be prevented. However, you can take steps to reduce the risks during pregnancy and delivery. Examples include:
- Regular prenatal checkups
- Manage maternal health (including hypertension, diabetes, infections, and others)
- Vaccinations
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs
- Take folic acid supplements
Diagnosis
First, doctors will perform a physical examination to check for abnormalities linked to the disease. They may also ask some questions about the medical history and symptoms. If doctors suspect spastic cerebral palsy after the physical examination, they can perform some tests to exclude other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Check below some tests often involved in spastic cerebral palsy diagnosis:
- CT (computed tomography) scans
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
- Blood tests
- Genetic tests
Treatment
The treatment is often different among people with this disorder. Check below some treatments often recommended by doctors for those who suffer from spastic cerebral palsy:
- The use of braces, casts, or splints that help maintain arms and legs in one position
- Assistive devices (including a wheelchair or walker)
- Daily stretching to prevent worsening of the muscle tightness
- Occupational, speech, and physical therapy
- Medicines that help relieve muscle stiffness and spasms (including Diazepam, Tizanidine, Dantrolene, Clonazepam, or Baclofen)
- Botulinum toxin injections to relax muscles
- Intrathecal baclofen therapy (this is a procedure in which the medicine is delivered directly into the spinal cord)
- Selective dorsal rhizotomy (this is surgery to reduce spasticity)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy for spastic cerebral palsy?
In general, this disorder does not affect life expectancy. However, if the child develops severe symptoms or complications, it may negatively affect the lifespan. Although there is no cure for this condition, the outlook is often good with treatment.
Is spastic cerebral palsy progressive?
No, it affects muscles the same whether it occurs during childhood or adulthood. However, it should not affect any new muscles.
What can be misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy?
There are some conditions that can be mistaken for this type of cerebral palsy. Check below some examples:
- Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD)
- Rett syndrome
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
- Metachromatic leukodystrophy
- Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs)
- Spinal dysraphism/occult spinal cord injuries
- Hereditary spastic paraparesis
This document does not contain a full list of health conditions that can be mistaken for spastic cerebral palsy. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
