What Is Mixed Cerebral Palsy?
Mixed cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects muscle control and movement. It is caused by damage to the brain before birth. The term “mixed” means that there are two types of CP. One type is called spastic diplegia, which causes problems with walking and balance. This type usually starts at birth. The second type is called athetoid quadriplegia, which causes problems controlling muscles and movements. This type usually starts after birth.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy (mCP) is a neurological disorder affecting muscle tone and movement. It occurs when there is damage to the brain and spinal cord before birth or during early childhood. The condition affects one side of the body only. There are two main types of mCP: hemiplegic cerebral palsy and diplegic cerebral palsy.
Hemiplegic cerebral palsies affect the left side of the body. This type of CP is caused by problems in the development of the left half of the brain. Hemiplegia means paralysis on one side of the body. People who suffer from this type of CP cannot move their arms, legs, hands, feet, head, neck, or eyes on the affected side. They may also have difficulty speaking, swallowing, breathing, walking, sitting up, standing up, and learning new skills.
Diplegic cerebral palsias affect the right side of the body. In this case, the problem is in the development of the right half of the brain. Diplegia means paralysis on both sides of the body. People with this type of CP cannot walk, sit, stand, eat, speak, swallow, breathe, or learn new skills. They may also have trouble moving their arms, legs, head, neck, and eyes.
The most common symptoms of CP include:
- Difficulty moving arms, legs, and trunk
- Problems with coordination and balance
- Muscle stiffness
- Weakness
- Poor eye contact