Cerebral palsy is a very common birth injury that babies may experience. However, many people do not realize that multiple forms of cerebral palsy affect patients differently. Knowing how the different cerebral palsy types impact your child and the long-term effects is vital. Unfortunately, many cases that cause cerebral palsy occur because of negligence or malpractice, and you need to be aware of your rights if it happens. Keep reading to learn about the four different types of cerebral palsy.
Spastic
Spastic is the most common type of cerebral palsy and often occurs from damage to the cerebral cortex. Those with spastic CP have increased muscle tone and experience awkward reflexes. This causes their muscles to be abnormally stiff, tight, or even painful due to prolonged contraction. Spastic cerebral palsy can be further broken down into three subtypes:
- Spastic quadriplegia: affects the upper and lower limbs and body. Mobility is heavily affected and can also interfere with intellectual abilities.
- Spastic diplegia: only affects the lower extremities. Some children born with diplegia can still walk but suffer painful challenges. Hyperactive tendon reflexes require assistive devices such as walkers and braces.
- Spastic hemiplegia: primarily affects one side of the body, usually the arm and hand. Most babies born with hemiplegia can walk but develop an abnormal curvature of the spine and experience seizures and delayed speech.
Dyskinetic
The second most common form of cerebral palsy is Dyskinetic. Children with this type have poor posture, experience chronic pain, have difficulty swallowing or talking, and may also have noticeable twisting of the body. This can be caused by damage to the basal ganglia, responsible for motor control, learning, and emotions. Those with dyskinetic CP may also have difficulty sitting or walking straight and have problems hearing, regulating their breathing, and speaking.
Ataxic
Ataxic cerebral palsy results from cerebellum damage, which controls balance and posture, coordination, motor learning, and cognitive functions. Children with this form of cerebral palsy may have problems with balance and proprioception and experience other symptoms, including:
- Loose muscles
- Poor posture
- Body tremors
- Difficulty with small, precise movements
- Problems with depth perception
Mixed
In some cases of cerebral palsy, the brain damage is not confined to one area. When an infant shows symptoms of multiple types of cerebral palsy, they may be diagnosed with mixed CP.
Negligence Can Lead to Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is often caused by a preventable mistake made during labor or delivery, causing severe, long-term injuries. Medical mistakes that could have been prevented and may be considered malpractice include:
- Excessive use of forceps or a vacuum extractor
- Failure to order a C-section
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Inadequate treatment of the mother’s conditions during pregnancy
If you suspect medical negligence caused your child’s birth injury, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages. Reach out to The Snyder Law Group to learn more.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.