Cerebral Palsy (CP) can be described or classified in many different ways, including the severity or type of CP. One way to classifying CP is by telling the body part(s) affected.

• Monoplegia: one limb, either one arm or one leg, is affected.
• Hemiplegia:  one side is affected; both arm and leg.
• Diplegia: typically affects the legs more than the arms.
• Quadriplegia: all four limbs, both arms, and legs, are affected.

You might have also heard of muscle tone or the tightness of a muscle at rest. CP affects muscle tone and how the body’s muscles work together. There are different kinds of abnormal muscle tone. However, two common ones are hypertonia and hypotonia. Hypertonia is described as an increase in muscle tone, which results in increased tightness and stiff limbs. Alternatively, hypotonia is a decrease in muscle tone, which results in decreased tightness and loose limbs.

Cerebral Palsy is a common diagnosis for a group of conditions among children affecting their motor development. It is a result of brain damage occurring before or during birth. Each child diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy presents with different impairments. Some are able to walk with an assistive device (such as a walker or crutches) or complete their activities of daily living independently using adaptive equipment. Others may use a wheelchair or require the use of an augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) device.  

About 1 in 123 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. About 75-85% of those diagnosed have “spastic Cerebral Palsy”, meaning some of their major muscle groups tend to be tight (such as the pecs or hamstrings). Over time, this can result in difficulties maintaining posture or attaining different positions. It can affect the muscles in the wrist/hand needed for functional grasping (affecting their ability to groom, dress, or eat) as well as muscles in the mouth/throat (affecting their ability to swallow or speak). Other classifications of Cerebral Palsy include athetoid, ataxic, and mixed. With the help of physical, occupational, and speech therapies, these children can be empowered to achieve their maximum functional potential, promoting their full inclusion in their schools and communities. 

For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/features/cerebral-palsy-11-things.html