Which type of cerebral palsy is characterized by tightness in one or more muscle groups?

Which type of cerebral palsy is characterized by tightness in one or more muscle groups?

• A. Spastic
• B. Dyskinetic
• C. Athetoid
• D. Ataxic

Answer: (A)

Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by muscle tightness or stiffness, known as spasticity, which affects the control of movement. This form of cerebral palsy results from damage to the areas of the brain that control voluntary movement, leading to an inability to relax the muscles properly. Consequently, individuals with spastic cerebral palsy often exhibit a range of motor challenges, including difficulty with coordinated movement, posture, and muscle control. The tightness may affect a singular limb or multiple limbs, depending on the severity and extent of brain involvement. In contrast, dyskinetic cerebral palsy involves involuntary movements and fluctuations in muscle tone but does not primarily manifest as tightness. Athetoid cerebral palsy, which is a subtype of dyskinetic, specifically results in slow, writhing movements and can also include fluctuating muscle tone. Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by problems with balance and coordination due to issues with the cerebellum, rather than muscle tightness. Thus, the defining feature of spastic cerebral palsy is indeed the tightness in one or more muscle groups, making it the correct answer.

Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by muscle tightness or stiffness, known as spasticity, which affects the control of movement. This form of cerebral palsy results from damage to the areas of the brain that control voluntary movement, leading to an inability to relax the muscles properly. Consequently, individuals with spastic cerebral palsy often exhibit a range of motor challenges, including difficulty with coordinated movement, posture, and muscle control. The tightness may affect a singular limb or multiple limbs, depending on the severity and extent of brain involvement.

In contrast, dyskinetic cerebral palsy involves involuntary movements and fluctuations in muscle tone but does not primarily manifest as tightness. Athetoid cerebral palsy, which is a subtype of dyskinetic, specifically results in slow, writhing movements and can also include fluctuating muscle tone. Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by problems with balance and coordination due to issues with the cerebellum, rather than muscle tightness. Thus, the defining feature of spastic cerebral palsy is indeed the tightness in one or more muscle groups, making it the correct answer.