Athetoid Cerebral Palsy can be divided into two different groups:
Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy
This form of Cerebral Palsy is characterized by involuntary movements, typically in the limbs and facial muscles. The ‘chorea’ means irregular jerky muscle contractions, while the ‘athetosis’ refers to repetitive involuntary twisting movements. Speech Impairment is common in cases of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, but can often be improved through speech therapy sessions. Sufferers may also face difficulties with swallowing and hearing loss.
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Dystonic Cerebral Palsy
The muscles switch between floppiness and stiffness causing random muscle contractions and abnormal twisted posture. This type of Cerebral Palsy affects the trunk more than the limbs. It can be partially treated by the combination of medication, injections and physical therapy. There are also certain surgical procedures that involve deep brain stimulation that have shown promising results.
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