Athetoid cerebral palsy

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid cerebral palsy (pronunciation: ath-uh-toid ser-uh-bruhl pawl-zee) is a type of cerebral palsy characterized by uncontrolled, slow, writhing movements. The term "athetoid" is derived from the Greek "athetos," which means "without position or place."

Definition

Athetoid cerebral palsy is a subtype of cerebral palsy, a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled, writhing movements of the hands, fingers, feet, and toes. These movements can also affect the muscles of the face and tongue, causing difficulties with speech and swallowing.

Causes

The primary cause of athetoid cerebral palsy is damage to the basal ganglia in the midbrain, which is responsible for regulating voluntary motor control, eye movements, and cognitive functions. This damage can occur due to a variety of reasons, including birth complications, infections during pregnancy, or severe jaundice shortly after birth.

Symptoms

The main symptom of athetoid cerebral palsy is the presence of slow, writhing, involuntary movements. These can affect any part of the body, but are most commonly seen in the hands, arms, and legs. Other symptoms can include difficulties with speech and swallowing, poor muscle tone, and problems with posture and balance.

Treatment

While there is no cure for athetoid cerebral palsy, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and the use of assistive devices. Medications may also be used to help control muscle movements.

Related Terms

• Cerebral Palsy
• Basal Ganglia
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Athetoid cerebral palsy
• Wikipedia's article - Athetoid cerebral palsy

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