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Athetoid Cerebral Palsy Information


Athetoid cerebral palsy affects less than 20% of people who suffer from this condition and is characterized by muscle tone that is mixed in that it may be too high or too low resulting in muscles that intermittently change from floppy to tense. It often affects the hands, feet, arms or legs and can occur mixed with the spastic form or the ataxic form or there may be elements of all of them co-existing in a mixed category. This condition is most often a naturally occurring phenomena however about 10% of case are the result of medical malpractice occurring shortly before, during or immediately after birth.

Athetoid cerebral palsy which is characterized by offset muscle tone leads to difficulty with control and coordination of movement and may be most obvious when a child attempts an upright steady position for walking. Uncontrolled movements will often increase during stressful times and will usually disappear while sleeping. This condition is caused by damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia areas of the brain which are responsible for processing the signals that enable smooth, coordinated movements as well as maintaining body posture. Damage may cause involuntary, purposeless movements, especially in the face, arms and trunk which interfere with speaking, feeding, reaching, grasping and other skills requiring coordinated movements. The muscles in the face or tongue are sometimes affected resulting in involuntary grimacing and tongue thrusting which may lead to swallowing problems, drooling and slurred speech which is a condition known as dysarthria.

Whilst there is no cure for athetoid cerebral palsy as nothing can undo the damage that has been caused to the brain there are therapies and aids that can help the sufferer to have a better quality of life. The available therapies can ease spasticity and improve communication skills and equipment such as leg braces or shoe splints can assist mobility. Pharmaceutical drugs can also reduce spasticity and muscle hyperactivity whilst targeted physiotherapy remains the basis of almost all treatment regimes.

Athetoid cerebral palsy may occur as a result of a large increase in the amount of bilirubin in the blood of the newborn infant. An increase in the concentration of this body chemical results in jaundice and may cause injury to the brain which is known as kernicterus. There are several reasons for an increase in bilirubin concentrations in the newborn infant including genetic factors, the effect of certain medications, infections and Rh factor blood incompatibility between the mother and the infant.

Please consider our cerebral palsy information which contains an overview of this condition and its causes and if you believe that your child's condition is as a result of medical malpractice and you would like free advice on cerebral palsy settlements from a specialist attorney just complete the contact form and a member of The Association of Trial Lawyers of America will telephone to discuss your child's claim with no further obligation.