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Types of Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury: Spastic 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 Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Between 70% and 80% of all diagnosed cerebral palsy cases are spastic. Spastic cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that controls muscle tone and coordinates muscle movement. The condition is nonprogressive (does not worsen over time). Damage can be caused during pregnancy (prenatal), during labor and delivery, and after birth (postnatal). Some spastic CP cases are caused by oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) during birth and complications during labor and delivery. Children born with CP due to a doctor or hospital error are eligible for compensation for their lifelong disability.

Spastic Diplegia, Spastic Hemiplegia, and Spastic Quadriplegia

There are three main types of spastic cerebral palsy: Spastic Diplegia, Spastic Hemiplegia, and Spastic Quadriplegia. Spastic diplegia involves spasticity of the lower extremities. Children with spastic diplegia have difficulty walking, due to rigid hip and leg muscles. Their legs frequently cross at the knees. Spastic hemiplegia involves muscle rigidity on only one side of the body. The extremities of the affected side are often shorter and thinner. Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) is common with spastic hemiplegia, as are seizures. The third type of spastic CP, Spastic Quadriplegia, is the most severe type. Spastic Quadriplegia affects the entire body, including arms, hands, legs, feet and the trunk. Children often have difficulty talking and walking. Diplegia is the most common type of spastic CP.

Characteristics of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Even though spastic cerebral palsy is not progressive, symptoms can vary and change over time. In addition to muscle tension and rigidity, some children may suffer mental impairment, uncontrollable shaking (called hemiparetic tremors) and may also have urinary incontinence. It is important to remember that each CP case is different. Even children with the same type of CP diagnosis may display different characteristics and symptom severity. Children with cerebral palsy may have additional disabilities, such as hearing loss, vision impairment, seizure disorders and mental retardation.

Treatment of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Treatment is important for children with cerebral palsy. Before treatment is decided doctors may use diagnostic tests such as electroencephalogram (EEG), imaging tests and intelligence tests to determine the severity of spastic cerebral palsy and how a child can best benefit from available treatment. Treatment may include drugs, surgeries, and physical therapy. Unfortunately, no treatment is available yet to undo the damage caused by cerebral palsy. However, therapy can be very helpful in managing and controlling symptoms.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy Legal Resources

Medical mistakes can cost thousands and sometimes millions of dollars. If you suspect a physician, obstetrician, midwife, nurse or hospital error may have caused your child’s birth injury, a qualified birth injury lawyer will know what questions to ask to determine what happened. Contact a lawyer with proven results in birth injury cases. Your child may be entitled to lifetime financial compensation for their condition. However, you have a limited amount of time to bring a claim for your child’s injuries (called a “statute of limitations”), so do not delay in contacting a lawyer. If the statute of limitations expires, you will lose your right to file a claim.