Athetoid Cerebral Palsy Causes and Types

Athetoid cerebral palsy is one of several types of movement disorders caused by a brain injury. Each type of cerebral palsy differs based on which part of the brain is damaged. In the case of athetoid CP, the damaged parts of the brain are the basal ganglia and/or the cerebellum.
Basal ganglia
The basal ganglia are a group of nuclei in the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movement. The basal ganglia are located within the cerebral cortex, a part of the brain that helps control motor function. The basal ganglia also help regulate thinking and learning. Damage to the basal ganglia affects motor function development and causes involuntary movements.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is responsible for regulating coordination and precision of movements, both of which are essential to fine motor skills and balance. When the cerebellum is damaged, balance and coordination become a struggle. The cerebellum is also an important part of cognitive functions, such as communication and attention. A damaged cerebellum can cause co-occurring disorders, such as intellectual disabilities.
Damage to the cerebellum and basal ganglia can be caused by:
Infections, such as meningitis
Trauma to the developing brain
Lack of oxygen to the brain
Certain risk factors increase the chances of brain injuries that cause athetoid cerebral palsy. In general, the risk factors for all types of CP are the same, including: premature birth, severe infantile jaundice and blood clotting in the placenta. Learn more about the risk factors of cerebral palsy.
Types of Athetoid CP
Athetoid cerebral palsy may be given other distinctions to further classify the condition based on the specific type of involuntary movement.
These classifications include:
Dystonia – This is distinguished by slow, rotational movement of the torso, arm or leg, causing poor posture.
Chorea – Sudden involuntary movements, especially in fingers and toes, are known as chorea.
Athetosis – The condition “athetoid” is derived from athetosis and is described by sluggish, writhing movements, mainly in fingers and face.
Choreoathetoid – This a combination of chorea and athetosis.
Ataxia – A rare type of cerebral palsy, ataxia is represented by loss of balance and coordination.
Rigidity – High muscle tone due to hypertonia causes restricted movement.

Dyskinesia – This is a general term to describe involuntary movements. Athetoid cerebral palsy is often interchangeably referred to as dyskinetic cerebral palsy for this reason.