diplegia
Quick Summary
Diplegia is a form of paralysis characterized by spastic contractions and weakness, typically more pronounced in the legs than the arms. It is a type of cerebral palsy, a group of neurological disorders resulting from abnormal brain development or damage occurring before birth or in early childhood.1
In spastic diplegia, the cerebral damage primarily affects the neurons and connections of the cerebral cortex in both hemispheres. While intellectual disability is not a necessary component of cerebral palsy, it can occur alongside it. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, such as muscle relaxants and seizure prevention, and on psychological support, education, and training to help individuals develop their assets and compensate for physical limitations.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
