Spastic and Athetoid cerebral palsy are two different forms of a complex neurological condition that affects movement and muscle control. If the Cerebral cortex of brain is effected then it is called Spastic and if the damage is to the Basel ganglia then it is called Athetoid Cerebral Palsey. Both Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and Athetoid cerebral palsy are not progressive conditions, because the brain damage that causes it does not worsen over time. However, the physical symptoms and challenges associated with spastic CP can change and may worsen as the individual ages.
Difference Between Spastic and Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Difference between spastic and athetoid in tabular format
| Feature | Spastic CP | Athetoid CP |
| Area affected Prevalence | Cerebral cortex 70-80% of CP cases | Basal Ganglia 10-20% of CP cases |
| Primary Symptoms | Increased muscle tone, stiff movements | Involuntary, uncontrolled movements |
| Muscle Tone | Hypertonia | Fluctuates between hypertonia and hypotonia |
| Affected Areas | Depends on subtype (legs, one side, all limbs) | Typically face and extremities |
| Common Interventions | Physical therapy, medications, surgery | Physical therapy, occupational therapy |
| Speech Involvement | Variable | Frequent |
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Spastic Cerebral Palsy
This is the most common type of Cerebral Palsy (70 - 80%) that happens from injury to the brain's pyramidal tracts or motor cortex.This can occur before, during, or soon after birth.
Causes
Causes include:
- Prenatal factors: Genetic mutations, maternal infections, or exposure to toxins.
- Perinatal factors: Complications during labor and delivery, such as oxygen deprivation (hypoxia).
- Postnatal factors: Infections, traumatic brain injuries, or conditions like jaundice
Symptoms:
This condition includes symptoms Such as,
- Tremors
- Difficulty in coordinating movements
- Muscle tightness
- Joint deformities over time
Treatments:
Widely used treatment methods are;
- Physical therapy: Exercises that improve muscle strength, coordination, and movement.
- Speech therapy: Help with speech and communication skills.
- Medications: Muscle relaxants like baclofen or botulinum toxin (Botox) to reduce stiffness.
- Orthopedic surgery: Procedures to correct bone or joint deformities and improve mobility.
- Assistive devices: Braces, wheelchairs, or walkers to aid mobility.
Athetoid Cerebral palsy
Athetoid CP also known as the Dyskinetic Syndrome is usually seen among 10 - 20% Cerebral palsy cases. Athetoid CP results from damage to the basal ganglia or cerebellum, the part which is responsible for the coordination of movements.
- Prenatal factors: Genetic mutations, maternal infections, or exposure to toxins.
- Perinatal factors: Oxygen deprivation during birth.
- Postnatal factors: Brain infections like meningitis, traumatic brain injuries, or severe jaundice.
Symptoms:
This condition includes symptoms Such as,
- Involuntary movements: Slow and uncontrolled movements especially in the face, arms, and upper body.
- Fluctuating muscle tone: Alternating between hypertonia (increased muscle tone) and hypotonia (decreased muscle tone).
- Difficulty with posture: Difficulty in maintaining a stable posture due to involuntary movements.
- Coordination issues: Problems with fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning clothes.
- Speech difficulties: Due to involuntary movements of the facial muscles and tongue.
- Grimacing: Facial distortions caused by involuntary movements.
Treatments:
- Physical and occupational Therapy : To improve muscle control and reduce involuntary movements also to enhance the ability to perform daily activities and improve fine motor skills.
- Speech therapy: To improve speech and communication difficulties.
- Medications: To manage muscle tone and reduce involuntary movements; options may include anticholinergic drugs or muscle relaxants.
- Assistive devices: Equipment to help in daily activities.
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Key Differences and similarities
Differences:
- Spastic CP: Characterized by muscle stiffness (spasticity), hypertonia, exaggerated reflexes, and difficulty with voluntary movements.
- Athetoid CP: Characterized by involuntary, slow, writhing movements, fluctuating muscle tone, and coordination issues.
Similarities :
- Both are due to brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth.
- Both types require physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- Assistive devices and medications are used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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