How is cerebral palsy classified?

• A. Progressive motor impairment due to later brain injury.
• B. Non-progressive motor impairment from early brain injury; classified by motor distribution (spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic) and body region distribution (hemiplegia, diplegia, quadriplegia).
• C. Only affects speech.
• D. Always involves all limbs equally.

Answer: (B)

Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive motor impairment that results from injury to the developing brain early in life, and its classification reflects both the type of movement problem and the pattern of body involvement. Movement disorders are grouped as spastic, dyskinetic, or ataxic, indicating the predominant quality of movement difficulty. Within these categories, the body distribution is described as hemiplegia, diplegia, or quadriplegia, showing which limbs are affected and to what extent. This framework guides therapy planning, helps predict associated issues, and informs prognosis. Since the underlying brain injury is non-progressive, the condition itself doesn’t steadily worsen over time, though motor abilities can change with growth and treatment. Statements suggesting CP is progressive, that it affects only speech, or that all limbs are always equally involved don’t align with how CP is actually classified.