Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by which of the following?

Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Unsteady balance and coordination
• B. Involuntary movements of the body
• C. Muscle tightness
• D. Difficulty with walking only

Answer: (B)

Ataxic cerebral palsy is primarily characterized by involuntary movements of the body, which is a hallmark of athetoid cerebral palsy. This form of cerebral palsy is associated with uncontrolled movements that can be writhing or twisting in nature, often affecting the hands and feet. These movements can occur at rest or during activity, making everyday tasks and coordination challenging for individuals with this condition. Involuntary movements are particularly significant in athetoid cerebral palsy as they often interfere with posture and holistic motor control, which can alter how the individual interacts with their environment. As a result, people with athetoid cerebral palsy frequently exhibit difficulty with precise movements, making activities such as writing or using utensils particularly problematic. The other options do describe aspects of different types of cerebral palsy but do not accurately reflect the defining characteristics of athetoid cerebral palsy. While unsteady balance and coordination relate more to ataxic cerebral palsy, muscle tightness is typically associated with spastic cerebral palsy. Difficulty with walking can be present in various forms of cerebral palsy, not exclusively in athetoid, therefore it does not represent a unique characteristic of this specific type.

Ataxic cerebral palsy is primarily characterized by involuntary movements of the body, which is a hallmark of athetoid cerebral palsy. This form of cerebral palsy is associated with uncontrolled movements that can be writhing or twisting in nature, often affecting the hands and feet. These movements can occur at rest or during activity, making everyday tasks and coordination challenging for individuals with this condition.

Involuntary movements are particularly significant in athetoid cerebral palsy as they often interfere with posture and holistic motor control, which can alter how the individual interacts with their environment. As a result, people with athetoid cerebral palsy frequently exhibit difficulty with precise movements, making activities such as writing or using utensils particularly problematic.

The other options do describe aspects of different types of cerebral palsy but do not accurately reflect the defining characteristics of athetoid cerebral palsy. While unsteady balance and coordination relate more to ataxic cerebral palsy, muscle tightness is typically associated with spastic cerebral palsy. Difficulty with walking can be present in various forms of cerebral palsy, not exclusively in athetoid, therefore it does not represent a unique characteristic of this specific type.