Cerebral Palsy Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy (CP) broadly describes a group of chronic movement/posture disorders. These disorders are classified into four main categories: spastic, ataxic, dyskinetic, and mixed. Some of the main CP categories are further divided into specific types. For example, cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia is under the spastic category. CP classification is based on the severity of limitation and affected brain area.
Spastic quadriplegia is the most disabling type of spastic CP, as it impacts all four quadrants of the body. Most find it difficult to walk and talk. The arms and legs are generally extremely stiff and the neck is extremely floppy and uncontrolled. Seizures are also frequently exhibited with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia. While intelligence can be significantly impacted, it’s often difficult to determine IQ due to physical and verbal communication difficulties.
Spastic quadriplegia CP may also lead to other complications such as deformed arms, legs, and feet; scoliosis from spastic muscles pulling on bones; difficulty swallowing, which may cause aspiration and poor nutrition; and bowel and bladder difficulties.
This type of CP is caused by either extensive brain damage, such as from a fetal stoke or lack of oxygen, or congenital malformation, such as from a fetal or maternal infection or toxin exposure. Spastic quadriplegia is usually diagnosed when a noticeably significant delay is noted in infant development. There’s not a cure for any type of CP, treatment is aimed at improved mobility and comfort.
