Cerebral Palsy and Physical Disabilities Vocabulary

Flashcards defining key vocabulary, types, limb involvement, classifications, therapies, and educational support options related to Cerebral Palsy and physical disabilities.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

A disorder of movement and posture resulting from brain damage that affects how the brain communicates with muscles, impacting movement, coordination, balance, and communication.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

A primary type of cerebral palsy characterized by stiff muscles, muscle tightness, and spasms.

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

A type of cerebral palsy caused by damage to the inner brain, characterized by uncontrollable movements and muscle weakness.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

A type of cerebral palsy caused by damage to the lower part of the brain that primarily affects balance and coordination.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

A presentation of cerebral palsy where an individual exhibits symptoms from more than one type, such as combining spasticity and dyskinesia.

Quadriplegia

A pattern of physical impairment in cerebral palsy where all four limbs of the body are affected.

Hemiplegia

A pattern of physical impairment in cerebral palsy that affects one entire side of the body.

Diplegia

A pattern of physical impairment in cerebral palsy that primarily affects the lower body and legs.

Mild Cerebral Palsy

A severity classification where a child can move without assistance and daily activities are not limited.

Moderate Cerebral Palsy

A severity classification where a child requires braces, medications, or adaptive technology to accomplish daily activities.

Severe Cerebral Palsy

A severity classification where a child requires a wheelchair and faces significant challenges in accomplishing daily activities.

Physical Therapy

Therapy aimed at improving strength, balance, and movement, as well as teaching individuals how to use mobility equipment like braces, crutches, or walkers.

Occupational Therapy

Therapy focused on developing fine motor skills to help individuals learn new ways to complete daily tasks such as buttoning a shirt or using a pencil.

Speech Therapy

Therapy that helps individuals communicate through clearer speech, sign language, or nonverbal assistive technology, as well as developing swallowing and chewing skills.

Orthotics

Medical devices, such as braces, used by individuals with physical disabilities to support limbs and aid in walking or movement.

504 Plan

A plan providing educational accommodations for students whose disability impacts physical function or movement without requiring special education instruction.