Difficulty moving and using one side of the body. The arm is often more affected than the leg. The affected side can be smaller due to tight muscles and a lack of growth.
Neglect of affected side, resulting in lack of use.
Problems reaching and grasping with affected hand.
Lack of feeling on the affected side of the body.
The person usually has a bent arm (flexed) and the hand is fisted. The leg is stiffened and they walk on tiptoes.
Diplegia:
Difficulty moving the lower part of the body due to stiffness of the legs
Difficulty straightening fully at the hips
Difficulty with balance when standing or walking
The person often has a tilted head and shoulders back in an attempt to achieve an upright position, creating an exaggerated curve in the lower back. When walking they move the trunk excessively to compensate for stiffness of the legs.
Quadriplegia:
All four limbs affected
Trunk, neck and head often affected
The person often has problems controlling the mouth and tongue muscles.
Individuals generally are unable to walk and either are unable, or have extreme difficulty in fine motor tasks.
Can develop scoliosis (curvature of the spine), hip dislocation, bladder and bowel problems.
Participants