Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder among children. CP is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that affect movement.

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy, affecting approximately 80% of people with CP. It is characterized by stiff muscles and awkward movements. People with spastic cerebral palsy have increased muscle tone and tight muscles.

Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is not progressive. Cerebral palsy develops as the result of damage to the motor control part of the brain. The state of this area of the brain will not change. 

However, people with spastic quadriplegic CP tend to have unusual movements that make their condition worse over time. Because they are unable to control their posture well, other problems can develop.

For example, a person with spastic quadriplegic CP cannot hold their head up because of the weak muscles in their neck and torso. To compensate, they will move their shoulders and overextend to move their head. When laying down, a person might twist and arch their back in ways that make it difficult for them to breathe. 

Other complications that can develop because of the unusual movements of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy include: 

• Problems with eating, chewing and swallowing, and other mouth movements
• Drooling
• Acid reflux, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and digestive problems
• Constipation
• Sleep problems
• Hip dislocation
• Scoliosis
• chronic pain

Other signs, symptoms, and associated complications include:

• Severe stiffness in the limbs
• A floppy neck/difficulty controlling the neck muscles
• Developmental delays, including slow growth and a lack of sexual development
• Cognitive impairments (this is more common among those with spastic quadriplegia than with other subtypes of CP)
• Seizures
• Vision and hearing impairments
• Problems with eating, chewing, and swallowing (Oromotor dysfunction)
• Feeding issues
• Speech-language problems
• Pulmonary disease

Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy is usually caused by a brain injury. The trademark muscle stiffness originates from incorrect messages sent from damaged regions of the brain and spinal cord. These include the areas of the brain that control motor function. 

In many cases, this brain damage is due to a birth injury. A birth injury is an injury to a baby that occurs just before, during, or after birth.

Spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy often results from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is a type of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation around the time of birth (birth asphyxia). Birth trauma, a delayed emergency c-section, or other complications at birth can cause HIE.

Spastic quadriplegic CP also can occur in premature infants. Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)or damage to the brain’s white matter from HIE, is more common in premature babies. 

Additionally, spastic quadriplegic CP can happen with other complications, like diffuse cortical atrophy, and hydrocephalus.Complications that can result in widespread brain damage may cause a form of CP.. 

Many birth injuries that lead to spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy are from medical malpractice. Parents may consider pursuing a lawsuit on behalf of their injured child. A successful verdict or settlement can help cover the costs of taking care of an injured child. A child with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy will need care throughout their entire life.

People with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy often require extensive care, treatment, and therapy throughout their lives. Many also benefit from the use of assistive/adaptive technology. Adaptive technology includes mobility equipment and accessibility tools. These devices help people with disabilities to perform important tasks like getting dressed, eating, and other daily activities.

Access to high quality treatments and therapies is critically important for children with spastic quadriplegia. Different types of therapy can dramatically improve quality of life for a child with spastic quadriplegic CP. 

When a child is diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, treatments and therapies should begin as soon as possible. Early intervention can help to minimize negative symptoms, improve range of motions, and maximize functional abilities. Starting therapy younger has proven to have the best results. 

When a child with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy receives a diagnosis, therapy should begin as soon as possible. A custom program can include special medicines, massages to relax muscles, and occupational therapy games. Physical therapy and stretching exercises can improve mobility and relieve pain. Children can have a dramatic improvement in their mobility with a continuing therapy program. 

ABC Law Centers, established in 1997, focuses exclusively on birth injury cases. While some children with birth injuries make a complete recovery, others develop disabilities such as cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Our birth injury attorneys are devoted to representing families affected by the lifelong consequences of a birth injury. 

Caring for a child with a disability like spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy can be expensive. Settlements from birth injury cases can cover the costs of lifelong treatment, care, and other crucial resources. 

If your child has been diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia, call today to ensure the best future for your family.

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