Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Also known as “dyskenetic cerebral palsy,” athetoid cerebral palsy occurs when the damage of the brain occurs to the basal ganglia, which is located in the middle of the brain. Athetoid cerebral palsy accounts for about 25 percent of all cerebral palsy cases.

Characteristics of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by mixed muscle tone that alternates between tense and flaccid, as well as slow, involuntary movements that most frequently affect the arms, legs, hands, and feet. The muscles in the face and tongue can also be affected.

Disabilities Associated with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

The most common disability associated with athetoid cerebral palsy is involuntary movement. Children with this form of CP often appear to be restlessly—albeit slowly—moving in a twisting, squirming manner. Kids with athetoid CP have trouble maintaining their posture, and so find it difficult to sit, stand, or walk. If the muscles and tongue are affected, speech and eating can be affected, and the child may drool or make involuntary expressions.

Treatment of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Treatment depends on the severity of the child’s symptoms, but may include one or a combination of medicine, exercises, speech therapy, and a wide variety of both mainstream and alternative therapies.