Cerebral Palsy Support Group

Hi! Spastic refers to the tone of the muscles. Spastic CP is characterized by tight, over-firing muscles. Hemiplegia refers to CP that effects one side of the body. Hemiplegia could be spastic hemiplegia if that side of the body has muscles that are spastic and over-firing. The other main-difference category of CP is diplegia where the legs are the effected area, not one side of the body (although there's lots of gray area in between). There's also Ataxic, diskinetic and hypotonic CP diagnoses. It's a lot to take in... but spastic and hemiplegia are not mutually exclusive.

Here's a website that kind of categorizes a little bit more if you're looking to learn a little more about different types :) Good luck!!

Kristi

Crap, forgot the link, sorry...
http://www.about-cerebral-palsy.or...

Thanks for explaining cuz I was confused lol Whats over-firing mean? I have left side weekness and paraysis (sp). Its so weak and gets so tight that it seems like I have to force myself to use it and it makes me mad cuz I'm trying to make it stronger so I can use it and not solely depend and use just my right side. Ya know?

Hemiplegia is only on one sid of your body and Spastic CP is all through your body pretty much. It depends if you are a quad that has spastic CP like me.Or if you have mild CP. hope this helpe

It sounds like you have some hypotonia too (that would be the weakness maybe). "overfiring" is just a muscle that is receiving too much information from the brain and is not functioning properly. It spasms instead of contracting properly in the case of hypertonia. In the case of hypotonia the muscle isn't firing enough and you can experience weakness. Now, from what I understand though the spastic muscles can also fatigue easily though. But when you say it gets tight, that makes me wonder if you are having the spasms.

A PT would tell you to keep strengthening your left side. The more you do, the more you can handle. And if, for instance, your bicep is spastic... be sure to stretch it well and strengthen your tricep to help create a better balance. Don't overdo it though, taking it at your own pace will help get you more lasting results.

Man, I ramble when I work nights LOL Take care, I would love to hear how it's doing and what you are finding works best :)

Hey! Thanks, Kristi!

Website http://www.about-cerebral-palsy.or... is big help!

Been diagnosed with Gait Abnormality, had x-rays, seen Neurologist; and; still PCP not sure what is causing it. Trying to rule out [or get a good idea of] what is causing my problem through this most helpful forum and all you wonderful folks. Otherwise, just trying tto keep physically active, positive and doing as much as I can. Toe-running and walking is easier for me as I do not suffer from shin splints so much. Also trying to stride out more [reduce cadence of footfall] which seems to help me.

Still searching for answers. Wish me good luck.

ArmExtenders

l discovered by accident that wearing a splint on my 'weak' hand actuall yreduced muscle tension while increasing dexterity
God Bless