Signs and symptoms

There are three major types of cerebral palsy:

• Spastic cerebral palsy. Most children with cerebral palsy have spastic cerebral palsy. This form of the condition causes muscles to stiffen, which makes movement difficult. It can affect both legs (spastic diplegia), or it can affect one side of the body (spastic hemiplegia). In the most severe cases, all four limbs and the trunk are affected (spastic quadriplegia).
• Athetotic cerebral palsy. Ten to 20 percent of people with cerebral palsy have this form, which is also referred to as extrapyramidal cerebral palsy. It affects the entire body and often causes uncontrolled, slow movements.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy. This is the least common of the major types of cerebral palsy. It affects balance and coordination.

Some children have signs and symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy, which may be referred to as a mixed form of the condition.

In general, children with cerebral palsy exhibit a wide variety of signs and symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. These signs and symptoms don't worsen with age. They may include:

• Lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia)
• Stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity)
• Asymmetrical walking gait, with one foot or leg dragging
• Variations in muscle tone, from too stiff to too floppy
• Excessive drooling or difficulties swallowing, sucking or speaking
• Tremors
• Difficulty with precise motions, such as writing or buttoning a shirt

Some children with cerebral palsy have severe mental retardation, but others are extremely bright. Many need a wheelchair and extensive, lifelong care, but some require little or no special assistance.

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