Types of Cerebral Palsy

When a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, one of the first things families want to understand is what type their child has. Cerebral palsy is not a single condition but rather a group of related movement disorders, and each type affects the body differently. Knowing which type your child has can help you and your care team anticipate challenges, plan therapies, and connect with the right resources.

This page explains the main types of cerebral palsy, how they differ, and what families can expect as they move forward with care and support.

Understanding the Different Types

Cerebral palsy is classified based on two main factors: the kind of movement disorder present and which parts of the body are affected. The type is determined by which areas of the brain were damaged and how that damage impacts muscle tone and movement.

There are four primary types of cerebral palsy recognized by medical professionals:

• Spastic cerebral palsy
• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (which includes athetoid CP)
• Ataxic cerebral palsy
• Mixed cerebral palsy

Each type comes with its own patterns of movement, muscle control, and potential complications. Some children have symptoms that fit clearly into one category, while others show characteristics of more than one type.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is by far the most common form, affecting about 80% of children diagnosed with CP. The hallmark of this type is increased muscle tone, which means the muscles are tight and stiff. This stiffness makes movements appear jerky or awkward and can limit a child’s range of motion.

Children with spastic CP often have what doctors call hypertonia, where muscles remain contracted and resist stretching. Over time, this can lead to joint problems, contractures (permanent tightening of muscles and tendons), and difficulties with posture and movement.

Subtypes of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic CP is further divided based on which parts of the body are most affected.

Spastic diplegia involves both legs more than the arms. Children with this subtype may walk on their toes or with a scissoring gait, where the knees cross inward. The upper body is usually less affected, though some fine motor challenges may still be present.

Spastic hemiplegia affects one side of the body. Typically, the arm is more severely impacted than the leg on the same side. A child may have limited use of one hand, walk with a limp, or develop scoliosis as they grow.

Spastic quadriplegia is the most severe form of spastic CP. All four limbs are affected, as well as the trunk and often the muscles of the face and mouth. Children with this subtype frequently have additional complications, including intellectual disability, seizures, vision problems, hearing loss, and difficulties with swallowing and speech.

What Families Should Know

Spastic CP can vary widely in severity. Some children walk independently with minor difficulty, while others require walkers, braces, or wheelchairs. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes surgery can help manage muscle tightness and improve function.

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy, sometimes called athetoid CP, accounts for a smaller percentage of cases, ranging from 2% to 15% depending on the population studied. This type is marked by involuntary, uncontrolled movements that can be slow and writhing or quick and jerky.

Children with dyskinetic CP often experience fluctuating muscle tone. Their muscles may shift between being too tight and too loose, sometimes even within the same day. This makes it hard to control posture and coordinate movements.

The involuntary movements often affect the face, tongue, and throat, which can make eating, drinking, and speaking difficult. Drooling and challenges with swallowing are common.

Intelligence and Communication

Unlike some other forms of cerebral palsy, dyskinetic CP typically does not affect a child’s intelligence. Many children with this type are cognitively capable but struggle to communicate because of the physical challenges with speech. Assistive communication devices and therapy can make a significant difference.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common main type, representing about 2% to 3% of all CP cases. It primarily affects balance and coordination, making movements appear shaky or unsteady.

Children with ataxic CP may have trouble walking in a straight line, maintaining balance, or performing tasks that require precision, like buttoning a shirt or writing. They often have what is called an intention tremor, where their hand shakes as they reach for something.

Depth perception can also be impaired, which affects activities like catching a ball or judging distances.

Daily Life with Ataxic CP

Because balance and coordination are the main challenges, children with ataxic CP may benefit greatly from physical therapy focused on core strength and stability. Many are able to walk independently but may appear clumsy or uncoordinated. Adaptive tools and supportive footwear can also help.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Some children do not fit neatly into one category. When a child shows symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy, it is classified as mixed CP.

The most common combination is spastic and dyskinetic features. For example, a child may have tight, stiff muscles in the legs (spastic) and involuntary movements in the arms or face (dyskinetic). This happens when multiple areas of the brain are damaged.

Mixed CP requires a personalized approach to therapy and care, as the child’s needs may vary depending on which symptoms are most prominent.

How the Body Is Affected

In addition to the type of movement disorder, doctors also describe cerebral palsy based on which limbs are involved. This is sometimes called the topographical classification.

• Monoplegia affects one limb, usually an arm or a leg
• Diplegia affects both legs and is the most common pattern, especially in spastic CP
• Hemiplegia affects one side of the body, with the arm often more impacted than the leg
• Quadriplegia affects all four limbs, the trunk, and sometimes the face

Understanding both the type of movement disorder and the distribution of symptoms helps the medical team create a more accurate picture of your child’s needs.

Measuring Severity

Medical professionals often use a tool called the Gross Motor Function Classification System, or GMFCS, to describe the severity of a child’s mobility challenges. It ranges from Level I (walks without limitations) to Level V (requires a wheelchair and full assistance for mobility and daily activities).

The GMFCS helps families and providers set realistic goals and measure progress over time. It is not a measure of intelligence or potential, only physical function.

Diagnosis and Classification

Determining the type of cerebral palsy usually involves a detailed neurological exam, along with imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to identify areas of brain damage. Developmental assessments and observation of movement patterns also play a key role.

Classification may evolve as a child grows. Some signs become clearer over time, and what initially looks like one type may later be reclassified as mixed CP.

Doctors at specialized centers, including the Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center at NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and other leading hospitals, use multidisciplinary teams to assess and classify cerebral palsy accurately. These teams typically include neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and developmental specialists.

Why Type Matters

Knowing your child’s type of cerebral palsy helps guide treatment decisions. Spastic CP may respond well to medications that reduce muscle tightness, while dyskinetic CP may require different interventions to manage involuntary movements. Therapy goals will differ depending on whether balance, coordination, or muscle tone is the main issue.

It also helps families connect with others who share similar experiences. Support groups and educational resources are often organized by type, making it easier to find relevant information and community.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Learning that your child has cerebral palsy can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to understand medical terms and classifications. But you are not alone. Thousands of families in New York and across the country are navigating similar journeys, and many children with CP go on to lead fulfilling, active lives.

At NYBirthInjury.com, we provide trusted information to help you understand your child’s diagnosis, explore treatment options, and connect with qualified medical and support resources. Our goal is to give you the clarity and confidence you need to advocate for your child and plan for the future.

If you have questions or need help finding specialists or services in your area, we are here to support you every step of the way.