As with other types of cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia is usually caused by brain damage, which generally happens before, during, or shortly after birth. Babies born prematurely and with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy.
How is Diplegia treated?
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Orthotic devices/orthoses.
- Medications such as botulinum toxin (Botox) and Baclofen.
- Orthopedic surgery (such as a selective dorsal rhizotomy, or SDR)
- Recreational therapy.
What is mild diplegia?
Spastic diplegia is a type of spastic cerebral palsy that primarily affects motor control in the legs. Generally, this type of spastic CP is associated with milder damage to the brain, which is why motor impairments primarily affect the legs as opposed to the entire body.
