Cerebral palsy types are grouped by how movement is affected (spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic or mixed) and by which parts of the body are involved (hemiplegia, diplegia or quadriplegia). Which words apply to a person depends on their assessment, and no two people with cerebral palsy are the same.
For the bigger picture, see cerebral palsy explained. This guide covers each type, what is known about adults and children, and the support available in Australia.
These descriptions come from Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance says cerebral palsy is a physical disability affecting movement and posture, and the most common physical disability in children. It is usually caused by injury to the developing brain during pregnancy or shortly after birth (Cerebral Palsy Alliance).
Different sources count the types differently, depending on whether they group by movement type or by the body parts affected, so you may see 3, 4 or 5 types of cerebral palsy listed. Our guide to cerebral palsy causes explains more about why it happens.
The four types by movement are below, each with a short description.
This is the most common form, at 70-80%, and it involves stiff and tight muscles. A therapist can explain which muscles are affected for each person.
About 6% of people have this type, which involves involuntary movements. Our guide explains what is dyskinetic cerebral palsy in more detail.
About 6% of people have this type, which involves shaky movements affecting balance. A specialist can explain how it affects a particular person.
Mixed is a combination of types. Ask the person’s team which types are involved and how they are described in reports.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →Doctors also describe which limbs are affected, using three terms.
Hemiplegia is unilateral cerebral palsy, affecting one arm and one leg on one side of the body.
Diplegia affects both legs, and the arms to a lesser extent.
Quadriplegia is bilateral, affecting both arms and both legs, and is the most severe of the three.
Abilities are classified separately from type; see our guide to cerebral palsy classification for the GMFCS levels.
The same type names are used for children and adults, and each person’s support needs are assessed individually.
The most common type is spastic cerebral palsy, which Cerebral Palsy Alliance puts at 70-80% of people with cerebral palsy.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →Knowing the type is only the start; what matters day to day is the right support at home and in the community. If you meet the NDIS access requirements, TQN Care can talk through personal care, community access and help around the home. See TQN Care NDIS services or make a referral to start the conversation.
The four types by movement are spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic and mixed. Spastic is the most common at 70-80%, dyskinetic and ataxic are each about 6%, and mixed is a combination of types, according to Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance describes cerebral palsy as a physical disability affecting movement and posture. It is usually caused by injury to the developing brain during pregnancy or shortly after birth, and it is life-long but generally does not worsen over time.
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common, making up 70-80% of cases according to Cerebral Palsy Alliance. It involves stiff and tight muscles. A specialist can explain how it affects a particular person.
The underlying movement control problem does not get worse, but body-structure problems such as contractures, hip dysplasia or scoliosis can develop over time, according to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Ask your doctor or therapists how often reviews are needed.