Spastic Quadriplegia in Children

By Rasansky McKenzie

The chronic condition cerebral palsy can be a challenge for those affected, but among the different types of CP is spastic quadriplegia, most commonly known as the most severe form of the condition. According toCerebralPalsy.org, spastic quadriplegia affects the arms, legs and body and is more likely to come with some mental impairment as well. Difficulty with walking and talking are elements of this form of cerebral palsy and seizures also can play a part. Wikipedia explains that spastic quadriplegia is caused by injury to the brain or spinal cord (high up, between C1 and C8 vertebra), which then prevents the proper messages about movement and sensation from travelling through the body. This type of CP, as well as others, is often caused by a birth injury.

What is spastic quadriplegia?

An article on US National Library of Medicine describes the condition as, “whole body involvement”. In addition to impairing motor function, spastic quadriplegia can cause deformities to develop and can present quite a challenge for those involved with caring for the person affected. Due to the vast range of difficulties involved, developing a care and treatment plan should take into account many factors including age, weight, nutritional status, the progression of musculoskeletal deformities, potential for development, the presence of secondary conditions, current functional status and prognosis and the goals of the patient and caregivers. Normally a combination of treatment types works best for children affected by this form of CP, rather than just one kind of intervention. Generally the best course of action is to develop a treatment plan in consultation with numerous medical professionals from different disciplines, in order to build a comprehensive plan.

Are there different kinds of spastic quadriplegia?

It is important to note that there are varying degrees of spastic quadriplegia. People with mild to moderate, according to FormsOfCerebralPalsy.com, can normally sit quite well, can pull themselves into a wheelchair, may be able to walk with a walker for short distances and can coordinate hand movements to feed themselves. In the severe form of the condition walking is not possible, sitting is a challenge, assistance is necessary to get in and out of a wheelchair and help is usually needed with feeding. Many people with this form of CP also make uncontrolled large movements known as athetosis, which can present additional challenges to speaking, eating and intentional movement. Sometimes people affected with spastic quadriplegia also develop a build-up of fluid in the brain and may require a shunt to be implanted to drain the fluid.
The challenges presented by spastic quadriplegia can be extremely challenging for people affected and for those who care for them. Sadly, many cases of cerebral palsy could have been prevented and it is important to know about all birth law issues.. If you have a child affected by CP that you feel was the result of a birth malpractice, it is important to speak with a qualified birth injury attorney. We regularly deal with birth injury cases and would be happy to advise you. Just take a moment to fill in our form and we will provide you with a free assessment of your case.  Call Rasansky | McKenzie Law today at (214) 651-6100 and speak with one of our highly trained Dallas birth injury attorneys.

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