Effects of Cerebral Palsy

The most frequently seen type of cerebral palsy is called spastic cerebral palsy, and results in stiff muscles that are in a permanently contracted state. There are five kinds of spastic cerebral palsy, which are categorized according to the limbs that are affected. When either both arms or both legs are involved, the term used is diplegia. Hemiplegia means that the effects of cerebral palsy are felt by the arm and leg on one side of the body. Quadriplegia denotes that all four limbs are compromised, and monoplegia and triplegia, which are the rarest forms of cerebral palsy, involve one and three limbs, respectively.

In cases of spastic diplegia, the legs are affected more than the arms. Because of the tightening of muscles, the legs will deform to such an extent that they will turn inward and even cross at the knees, making walking a chore. However, this type of cerebral palsy usually does not come with seizures and learning difficulties. Spastic hemiplegia patients can undergo bouts of tremors that result in an involuntary shaking of the limbs on one side of the body, making movement difficult at best. Vision problems, along with seizures and trouble with the muscles in the mouth and tongue that lead to drooling, are effects of this ailment. Spastic quadriplegia has profound effects on the patient, as he can develop serious medical complications like mental retardation.

A form of cerebral palsy called athetoid cerebral palsy causes uncontrollable but slow movements of the hands, feet, legs, or arms that resemble a writhing motion. The individual with this affliction can experience out-of-the-ordinary jerking movements and develop poor posture and muscle tone. The muscles in the face and in the tongue can experience the effects of this condition, making speech particularly difficult and causing the person to constantly drool and grimace. Hearing loss is not uncommon in conjunction with this kind of cerebral palsy.

Balance and depth perception become major problems for someone with ataxic cerebral palsy, making it hard to function normally. This disorder results in very poor coordination and makes the person extremely unsteady on her feet. Quick movements are out of the question without running the risk of falling, and activities as simple as getting dressed are difficult to accomplish. Intention tremors, which develop when someone reaches to grasp something, are seen in cases of ataxic cerebral palsy.

The effects of cerebral palsy are certainly not limited to the person with the illness. Family members can be under huge amounts of stress as they try to cope with a loved one's dilemma. Some people with cerebral palsy need constant care, which can put an emotional as well as financial burden on a family. However, there are treatments--like drugs to relax muscles, and physical and occupational therapy--that can greatly improve the quality of life of someone with cerebral palsy.