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Types of Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury: Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Written by: R. Michael Bomberger

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Birth Injury Personal Injury

Posted over 2 years ago. 1 helpful vote, 0 comments

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Causes of Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Generally, all types of cerebral palsy are caused by some form of brain damage. Damage to the cerebellum and/or basal ganglia causes Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy. There are many ways and reasons a child can suffer brain damage. It can be from bleeding in the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage), infection (such as meningitis), head injury during or after delivery, or oxygen deprivation. A brain injury called kernicterus resulting from untreated jaundice may also cause this type of CP. Thousands of cerebral palsy cases are preventable – the result of medical mistakes, negligence or error. In some cases, the cause of cerebral palsy is simply not known.

Characteristics of Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy is characterized by normal intelligence but muscle tone that is either too tight or too loose. By definition, “Athetosis” is a constant succession of slow, writhing, involuntary movements of flexion, extension, pronation, and supination of fingers and hands, and sometimes of toes and feet. Activities such as speaking, eating, reaching and grasping may be especially challenging.

Complications of Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Although cerebral palsy is not considered a progressive condition (one that gets worse), there is the possibility for complications. Some children with athetoid dyskinetic cerebral palsy may have cervical myelopathy, a compression or squeezing of the spinal cord. This can lead to disc degeneration and further disability. Hip dislocation, ankle equinus and foot deformities may be caused by unbalanced muscle tension in the legs.

Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

A diagnosis of cerebral palsy is not made quickly, as doctors cannot predict the severity of an injury at birth. Doctors will want to closely monitor motor skills, coordination and movement, as well as changes in muscle tone. Even if a pediatrician suspects cerebral palsy, they will want to see if the child reaches normal developmental milestones, such as reaching, sitting, crawling and walking. Blood tests and x-rays may be used to rule out other neurologic conditions, but cannot diagnose CP.

Treatment of Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Although there is no cure for any kind of cerebral palsy, treatment may be beneficial. Treatment for CP varies and is based on the unique symptoms of each child’s condition. Physical therapy can be helpful to improve muscle tone and coordination, and speech therapy can help improve communication. Some patients may need special therapy to be able to chew and swallow food. Doctors may prescribe medications to ease and control muscle spasms.

Athetoid Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy Legal Resources

An attorney can be a powerful advocate for children affected by birth injury. If your child is suffering any form of cerebral palsy, and your doctor or hospital was in any way responsible, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Treatment and care of cerebral palsy patients may be financially devastating – the average lifetime cost of a person with cerebral palsy is more than $1 million dollars. You may be entitled to lifetime financial support for medical expenses, long-term care and therapy. Contact an experienced cerebral palsy birth injury attorney to determine if you have a case.