NEUROLOGY & SLEEP SPECIALISTS LOCATED IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, ALEXANDRIA, VA, OLD ALEXANDRIA, VA, LORTON, VA, & FALLS CHURCH, VA

Integrated Neurology Services

Neurology & Sleep Specialists Located in Northern Virginia, Alexandria, VA, Old Alexandria, VA, Lorton, VA, & Falls Church, VA

Cerebral palsy is a motor disability that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States. Though symptoms vary, many with cerebral palsy experience physical disabilities that affect their quality of life. The board-certified neurologists at Integrated Neurology Services, located across Northern Virginia locations in Alexandria, Falls Church, and Lorton, also serving the Vienna, VA, community, provide extensive treatment options to help people with cerebral palsy get the care they need and deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact the office most convenient to you by phone or online today.

Cerebral Palsy Q & A

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy refers to neurological disorders that chronically affect body movement and muscle coordination that typically appear in infancy or early childhood. It’s caused by damage or abnormalities that occur when the brain is developing, specifically affecting the motor area of the brain that directs muscle movement.

Medical conditions or events that occur during pregnancy or delivery, such as premature birth, exposure to toxic substances, complications during labor and delivery, or blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, may increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

What are the types of cerebral palsy?

There are four types of cerebral palsy. However, one type makes up more than half the cases. Cerebral palsy types include:

Spastic cerebral palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most prevalent type, accounting for about 50% of cases. Spastic cerebral palsy causes stiff muscles that are contracted, rendering patients virtually motionless at times.

Athetoid cerebral palsy

Athetoid cerebral palsy occurs in about 25% of cases and causes uncontrollable movements and writhing around.

Ataxic cerebral palsy

Ataxic cerebral palsy affects balance and depth perception.

Mixed cerebral palsy

Some people with cerebral palsy have symptoms of more than one type, which is referred to as mixed cerebral palsy.

What can I expect during a cerebral palsy evaluation?

The board-certified neurologists at Integrated Neurology Services specialize in the management of cerebral palsy and take an integrated and comprehensive approach to care, striving to meet all your needs. During your evaluation, the team asks detailed questions about birth history, symptoms, medical history, and family history.

The team then conducts a physical exam, including a series of motor tests to assess muscle function. Diagnostic imaging may also be requested, such as an MRI, CT scan, or cranial ultrasound.

How is cerebral palsy treated?

Cerebral palsy can be frustrating for both the patient and their family. The team at Integrated Neurology Services provides extensive treatment options to help you get the care you need and deserve.

Treatment may include: