Types of cerebral palsy

There are three main types of cerebral palsy: spastic, athetoid/dyskinetic, and ataxic. Spastic CP is characterized by stiff, tight muscles and difficulty with movement, while athetoid/dyskinetic CP involves involuntary and uncontrolled movements. Ataxic CP affects balance and coordination. Mixed CP involves a combination of symptoms from different types. Each type requires specific management strategies and therapies.

Causes of cerebral palsy

The causes of cerebral palsy can be diverse. They can include brain damage or abnormal brain development that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. Some common causes include maternal infections during pregnancy, lack of oxygen to the brain, premature birth, certain genetic conditions, and traumatic head injuries. However, in many cases, the exact cause may remain unknown.

Risk Factors of cerebral palsy

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of cerebral palsy. These include premature birth, low birth weight, multiple pregnancies (such as twins or triplets), infections during pregnancy (such as rubella or cytomegalovirus), maternal health issues (such as high blood pressure or diabetes), exposure to toxins or infections in early childhood, and certain genetic conditions. It's important to note that having these risk factors does not guarantee the development of cerebral palsy, but it may increase the chances.