What is Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Athetoid cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement and posture. It occurs when there is damage to the brain before birth, during pregnancy, or after birth. The cause of CP is unknown. There is no cure for this condition. However, treatment focuses on helping people with athetoid cerebral palsy learn new skills and develop their abilities.
Symptoms of athetoid cerebral palsies include:
- Difficulty moving arms, legs, or body
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty seeing
- Difficulty hearing
- Difficulty learning
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty eating
- Difficulty controlling bladder and bowel movements
The severity of athetoid cerebral palsey varies from person to person. Some people with athetoid CP may only have mild problems with movement and balance. Others may have severe problems with movement and balance, which may require special equipment such as braces, crutches, wheelchairs, or walkers.