Dyskinetic cerebral palsy
| Dyskinetic cerebral palsy | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Athetoid cerebral palsy |
| The basal ganglia plays essential roles in voluntary motor function. Various forms of damage to the basal ganglia can cause a range of movement disorders. | |
| Symptoms | Dystonia, choreoathetosis |
| Usual onset | Birth |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Causes | Perinatal asphyxia, neonatal shock, hyperbilirubinaemia |
| Treatment | Supportive |
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP), also known as athetoid cerebral palsy or ADCP, is a subtype of cerebral palsy that is characterized by dystonia, choreoathetosis, and impaired control of voluntary movement. Unlike spastic or ataxic cerebral palsies, dyskinetic cerebral palsy is characterized by both hypertonia and hypotonia, due to the affected individual's inability to control muscle tone. Clinical diagnosis of ADCP typically occurs within 18 months of birth and is primarily based upon motor function and neuroimaging techniques. While there are no cures for ADCP, some drug therapies as well as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy have shown capacity for treating the symptoms.