Bilateral CP, or bilateral cerebral palsy, is a type of cerebral palsy that affects both sides of the body.
In more detail:
Researchers and clinicians increasingly use the terms "bilateral CP" and "unilateral CP" to describe the distribution of motor impairments in individuals with cerebral palsy. Bilateral CP signifies that the motor impairments primarily affect both sides of the body, impacting both arms and both legs to varying degrees. This replaces older terminology such as diplegia and quadriplegia, offering a more descriptive and potentially clinically useful categorization. The severity and specific areas affected can differ significantly from person to person.
Key Characteristics of Bilateral CP:
- Impact on Both Sides: The defining feature is the involvement of both sides of the body, affecting motor control and coordination.
- Varied Severity: The degree of impairment can range from mild difficulties with fine motor skills to significant challenges with gross motor movements like walking.
- Potential for Additional Impairments: Individuals with bilateral CP may also experience associated conditions, such as speech difficulties, intellectual disabilities, seizures, and visual impairments.
- Replaces Older Terms: While older classifications like diplegia (primarily affecting the legs) and quadriplegia (affecting all four limbs) are still sometimes used, bilateral CP offers a broader, more descriptive umbrella term.
- Focus on Function: The focus shifts towards understanding the functional impact on daily life rather than solely relying on limb involvement.
Why the Shift to Bilateral CP Terminology?
The change in terminology reflects a more nuanced understanding of cerebral palsy. The terms "bilateral" and "unilateral" provide a more precise description of the affected body regions and help tailor interventions based on individual needs. It also helps move away from generalizations associated with the older terms.
