SPASTIC DIPLEGIA CEREBRAL PALSY
Diplegia is a classification of cerebral palsy where both legs are primarily affected and there may to a lesser extent be involvement of the arms. The condition can be further classified into mild, severe or moderate and usually involves spasticity which causes difficulty with balance, movement and co-ordination. This condition can worsen with age due to disparate growth between muscles and bones which results in stiffness thereby worsening any spasticity.
Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy is believed to be caused by a serious injury to the motor cortex region of the brain usually as a result of premature birth. Whilst most children afflicted with this condition have difficulty with movement there are often no intellectual difficulties.
Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy may be difficult to diagnose and most healthcare professionals will not be willing to give a confirmed diagnosis until the infant is several years old having passed a number of developmental milestones that can be considered in detail.