athetoid cerebral palsy

Athetoid cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder characterized by slow, involuntary, and purposeless movements of the hands, feet, face, and neck. These movements can affect the entire body and often worsen with stress or excitement. Unlike other forms of cerebral palsy, voluntary movement paralysis may not be present, and spasticity can be minimal or absent. This condition results from damage to the basal ganglia in the brain, typically occurring before or during early childhood. While it can impact communication due to speech difficulties, severe intellectual disability is less common in athetoid cerebral palsy compared to other types. There is no cure, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maximizing the individual's abilities.12