- Athetosis⎯uncontrolled, slow twisting, and writhing movements, which are
frequent and involuntary and occur in over 16% of cases. - Rigidity⎯resistance to passive movement, which may be overcome by sudden
action. It is uncommon and the majority of these children are intellectually impaired. - Ataxia⎯disturbance of equilibrium as well as difficulty in grasping objects. It is
also uncommon. - Hypotonia⎯all muscles are flaccid with decreased function.
- Mixed⎯a combination of the above.
The last 25 years has seen a change in the proportion of the different subtypes. For
example, with the decrease in kernicterus (neonatal jaundice), there has been a fall in
the athetoid form, but the spastic form, associated with prematurity, has increased. An
affected child may be monoplegic with only one limb affected (1149HFig. 17.15) or have all
four limbs affected (quadriplegia). In addition, they may be disabled by other
impairments such as convulsions, intellectual impairment, sensory disorders,
emotional disorders, speech and communication defects, and a poorly developed
swallowing and cough reflex.
1150H
Fig. 17.15 Monoplegia of the right arm
in a child with cerebral palsy and a
congenital heart defect.17.3.2 Oral health
The oral and dental features that may be seen in children with cerebral palsy are: