Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
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Children with athetoid cerebral palsy account for 20% of cerebral palsy sufferers.
This type of the condition can be split into two groups: Athetoid which affects the limbs and Dyskinetic affecting the trunk of the body. Athetoid CP is also described as dyskinetic cerebral palsy and is onset following damage to the mid brain Basil Ganglia or cerebellum shortly before during or closely following birth whilst the brain is developing. The part of the brain affected manages co-ordination and body posture. A child suffering from this type of CP may exhibit normal learning with however no two cases are exactly the same and different parts of the body affected. The range of severity is broad although many children display similar characteristics. Athetoid cerebral palsy symptoms: Involuntary movements brought on because of the changes in muscle tone - tense and then relaxed. Emotional stress heightens the symptoms so it is beneficial to keep the child as relaxed as possible. Involuntary movement tends to subside during rest and sleep. Eye contact problems because random movements create focusing issues. Speech can be affected due to breathing problems and tongue and vocal chord control. Frustration can often be a problem as a child keen to perform a task which random involuntary movements prevent them from doing. Drooling and eating problems are also symptoms of the condition. Doctors may be reluctant to diagnose athetoid cerebral palsy until a child has failed developmental milestones. It is often the case that parents identify problems before medical diagnosis. Other common associated conditions include: Learning Difficulty Epilepsy Spatial Awareness Hearing Problems Behavioral Problems Sleep Problems Difficulty Feeding Drooling A child with athetoid cerebral palsy may benefit greatly from therapy and despite the condition being permanent appropriate therapy can greatly improve the quality of life. |
Information on this page about athetoid cerebral palsy is intended to provide an easily digestible overview of the condition and not considered as medical advice .
The Movement Centre
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