About 10% of children with cerebral palsy have athetoid
cerebral palsy. Athetoid cerebral palsy is caused by
damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia.1
This is the center of the brain that manages coordination
and controlling movement. Athetoid CP is characterized
by tremors, unsteadiness, lack of coordination, and
constant movement. People with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
often have speech difficulties as well.2
Involuntary movements are often in the face,
arms, and trunk. These involuntary movements often interfere
with speaking, feeding, reaching, grasping, and other
skills requiring coordinated movements. Involuntary
grimacing and tongue thrusting may lead to swallowing
problems, drooling and slurred speech. The movements
often increase during periods of emotional stress and
disappear during sleep. Children with athetoid cerebral
palsy often have low muscle tone and have problems maintaining
posture for sitting and walking.3
1. Ask the Doctor: About Cerebral
Palsy. http://www.about-cerebral-palsy.org/definition/athetoid-cerebral-palsy.html
2. OFCP: About Cerebral Palsy. http://www.ofcp.on.ca/aboutcp.html
3. Ask the Doctor: About Cerebral Palsy. http://www.about-cerebral-palsy.org/definition/athetoid-cerebral-palsy.html
