What is Athetoid Cerebral Palsy?
The mind is keen but the body is not! Unlike Spastic CP, the Athetoid CP is marked by a movement disorder of muscles, which are too loose, giving the child no vertical stability. His whole body is affected. The Athetoid child is probably more intelligent than even an average, normal child, leave alone children with other forms of CP. But, he has difficulty scratching his nose, or holding a toothbrush or a pen. He really needs to concentrate hard on muscle coordination to make them obey his command. His face contorts and grimaces in ugly movements that he has no control over. Drooling is a very typical symptom. Constant writhing movements of the limbs, especially the legs, gives him the appearance of a dancer. Unfortunately, it is only an appearance. His feet are unable to bear his weight and he keeps pulling them up. The knees bend inwards, touching each other making it extremely difficult for him to be upright, to sit or to walk. In treating patients with Athetoid CP, the focus is on
