What Is Spastic Quadriplegia?
Spastic quadriplegia is a form of cerebral palsy characterized by the loss of motor control in all four limbs and the entire body. It’s the most severe form of spastic cerebral palsy. Normally caused by brain damage that occurs before birth, during birth, or shortly afterward, it severely limits the affected person’s quality of life.
- Prevalence of Spastic Quadriplegia in Children
- Common Symptoms of Spastic Quadriplegia
- Common Causes of Spastic Quadriplegia
- Are There Complications Associated With Spastic Quadriplegia?
- Diagnosing Spastic Quadriplegia in Children
- Spastic Quadriplegia Management
- Current Spastic Quadriplegia Research
- Resources for Parents of Children with Spastic Quadriplegia
- How Can Levin & Perconti Help Me if My Child is Diagnosed With Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy?
- Testimonials
While spastic quadriplegia is generally non-progressive, additional developmental disorders associated with the disease may occur over time. Treatment for spastic quadriplegia is determined on an individual basis and in accordance with the child’s symptoms.
If your child is suffering from spastic quadriplegia due to a birth injury, contact a Cerebral Palsy lawyer at Levin & Perconti to inquire about legal services.
Prevalence of Spastic Quadriplegia in Children
The occurrence of spastic quadriplegia in children is generally between 2 and 3 per 1,000 live births. The condition is found more often in babies who are born before term or at a low birth weight. Diagnosis most often occurs before the age of two.
Common Symptoms of Spastic Quadriplegia
Symptoms of spastic quadriplegia typically become apparent between three months and two years old. They may include the following:
- Muscles that rapidly contract and release; slack muscle tone
- Joints that cannot stretch or move
- Muscle tremors, muscle stiffness, or muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Scissoring of limbs
- Speech or language disorders
- Seizures
- Intellectual disabilities or developing brain disorders
- Partial dislocation of the hips
- Severe hyperextension (“bridging” or “arching”) in the head, neck, and spinal cord
- Risk of aspiration
- Brain injury
Parents and doctors should pay attention to young children to observe if any of these symptoms are present.
Common Causes of Spastic Quadriplegia
Spastic quadriplegia is caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. Brain damage may be caused by any of the following:
- Decreased oxygen and blood flow to the baby
- Traumatic injuries during the birthing process
- Fetal infections or stroke
- Premature birth
- Exposure to toxins
- Other medical negligence
Fetal strokes can occur from placental blood clots. High blood pressure experienced by the mother places the infant at an increased risk of stroke. Doctors should monitor mothers regularly to ensure that any health problems that arise during the pregnancy are carefully monitored and resolved, if possible.
Are There Complications Associated With Spastic Quadriplegia?
There are a number of complications associated with spastic quadriplegia, including:
Increased Risk of Limb Deformities
Due to the consistent pulling of the bones and joints encountered by a child with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, there’s a high risk of limb deformities. These deformities can present as legs and arms that are different in size or shape. For example, one leg may be longer than the other, or an arm may curve in an unnatural position.
Scoliosis
Approximately 25% of children with spastic quadriplegia go on to develop scoliosis. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. It can cause a person to appear as if they’re leaning to one side. Severe scoliosis can reduce the amount of space in the chest, making it difficult to breathe.
Malnutrition
Some children with spastic quadriplegia may have severe difficulty swallowing. This can lead to malnutrition or respiratory conditions.
Speech and Language Difficulties
As spastic quadriplegia is primarily a neurological disorder caused by brain damage, there may be the potential for speech and language difficulties. This is especially true if the child has difficulty controlling their facial muscles. Speech therapy can be helpful in assisting with language difficulties.
Seizures
Since damage has occurred to the brain, seizures may occur. Seizures can vary in type according to the brain damage incurred. Cognitive disabilities may also be apparent, such as a delayed aptitude for learning or a cognitive deficit.
Constipation and Incontinence
Since the individual may not have control over their body, they’re more likely to suffer from constipation and incontinence. These conditions can result in unpreventable accidents.
Diagnosing Spastic Quadriplegia in Children
A doctor specializing in cerebral palsy may diagnose a child with spastic quadriplegia upon performing several tests.
For children under six months of age who appear to have symptoms of the disorder, the following assessments can provide confirmation:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (86–89% sensitivity)
- Prechtl General Movement Assessment (98% sensitivity)
- Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (90% sensitivity)
For children over six months of age who appear to be at risk of spastic quadriplegia, the following evaluations are helpful to make a diagnosis:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (86–89% sensitivity)
- Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (90% sensitivity)
- Developmental Assessment of Young Children (83% sensitivity)
If a full diagnosis cannot be made but existing factors point toward spastic quadriplegia, the child’s doctor may indicate that there’s a high risk and that the child should be closely monitored throughout early childhood.
Spastic Quadriplegia Management
Management of spastic quadriplegia can be highly involved and costly, especially if the disorder is severe. Treatment options include:
Aids and Assistive Devices
Specific aids to assist with movement and protect against limb deformity may be required. These assistive devices include wheelchairs, splints, and pronators.
Physiotherapy
Special exercises designed for muscle strengthening and stretching should be completed regularly. Physical therapists can observe the child and create specific exercises that may be performed at home with assistance from a caregiver.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is especially important, as children with spastic quadriplegia often have difficulties performing various functions with their hands. An occupational therapist can work to develop exercises to ensure proper hand control. The goal of occupational therapy is to improve fine motor skills.
Special Education
Some children may require special education, especially if they’ve suffered brain damage. Others may face only movement disorders and may be able to attend regular courses.
Oral Medication
When children with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy suffer from seizures, spasticity, drooling, or poor immunity, medications may be required. Medicine can help reduce how frequently these symptoms occur.
Surgery
If a child has developed severe scoliosis, surgery may be required to assist with hip containment and realignment of the spine.
Current Spastic Quadriplegia Research
Research designed to improve recovery from spastic quadriplegia is ongoing. A recent study found significant improvement among young children who were exposed to physical therapy five times a week over a three-week period. Physical therapy has been found to provide significant benefits to CP patients.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke continues to support regular research on cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia.
Resources for Parents of Children with Spastic Quadriplegia
A few links to agencies devoted to cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia are listed below:
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center — provides a list of specialists and organizations devoted to cerebral palsy
- CerebralPalsy.org — provides a list of references and support groups
- Cerebral Palsy Foundation — a nonprofit organization created to support families and individuals with cerebral palsy
If your child suffers from spastic quadriplegia, it’s important to remain informed of available treatments, information, and support groups.
How Can Levin & Perconti Help Me if My Child is Diagnosed With Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy?
If your child was born with a disorder such as spastic quadriplegia as a result of a birth injury or medical negligence, it’s important that you speak with a knowledgeable attorney immediately. Our attorneys can answer any questions you may have about the cerebral palsy statute of limitations or other deadlines, requirements, and restrictions and advise you whether your case is still timely.
A birth injury attorney can review the facts of your case and give you practical advice. In some cases, it may be possible to obtain compensation for physical, emotional, and financial damages. Contact Levin & Perconti today for a free consultation.
$6.5 Million
Settlement
settlement for a young girl who suffered a brain injury during birth, resulting in cerebral palsy, after physicians failed to timely perform a c-section.
$4.5 Million
Settlement
for a child who suffered brain damage causing cerebral palsy as a result of a family practice physician’s failure to perform a timely Caesarean section in the face of fetal distress.
$2.35 Million
Settlement
for a child who suffered severe brain injury and cerebral palsy as the result of a uterine rupture in a vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) delivery that could have been avoided.
Testimonials
Not only were they so professional but also so caring and thoughtful. It was very difficult going over the facts in our mother's case but they were so compassionate and understanding and allowed us to be with them every step of the way. We were able to sit in on the depositions and we were really able to see how hard they worked on our behalf.
During that time, my family and I suffered the loss of my mother. Mr. Levin and Mr. Perconti were more than just our lawyers. Words can’t really express our gratitude.
They were most patient and responded timely to many questions throughout the entire process. All demonstrated professionalism and extensive knowledge of case and state laws. Their in-depth investigative work uncovered details which were unknown to us and yet sadly confirmed our suspicions. We would recommend the Levin and Perconti Law firm and especially this team.
During that time, my family and I suffered the loss of my mother. Mr. Levin and Mr. Peconti were more than just our lawyers. Words can’t really express our gratitude. My family and I will always be grateful for the compassion that they showed us. I want to thank you for what you did for my family, and for always being there for us.
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Related Pages
- Birth Injury Lawyer
- Birth Asphyxia
- Brachial Plexus Injury
- Breech Birth Complications
- Cerebral Palsy
- Erb's Palsy
- Gestational Diabetes Misdiagnosis
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
- Neonatal Seizures
- Oxygen Deprivation
- Preeclampsia Misdiagnosis
- Shoulder Dystocia
- Statute of Limitations by State
- Stillbirth Lawsuit
- Umbilical Cord Compression
- Untimely C-Section
- Vacuum Extraction Injury
Notable Results
SETTLEMENT
for the family of a child who suffered brain injury due to lack of oxygen during her birth
SETTLEMENT
for a child who suffered brain damage causing cerebral palsy as a result of a family practice physician's failure to perform a timely C-section
VERDICT
for a child who died as a result of a doctor’s failure to diagnose the mother with an immune disorder while pregnant
Birth Injury Awards
In 2024, Michael Bonamarte, Seth Cardeli, and Cari Silverman won the Trial Excellence award at the Jury Verdict Reporter reception and awards ceremony for their groundbreaking $40 million verdict on behalf of a client who suffered a birth injury. This is the highest ever reported medical malpractice verdict outside of Cook County, IL at the time of reporting and the highest ever verdict in Coles County.
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