Which statement about CP types classified by muscle tone is accurate?

• A. Spastic, Dyskinetic, Ataxic, Mixed, and Atonic/hypotonic CP are all recognized types.
• B. Spastic CP is the only type.
• C. Ataxic CP is not a recognized type.
• D. Dyskinetic CP is the only other type.

Answer: (A)

Understanding CP types by muscle tone involves recognizing several distinct patterns: spastic CP, with increased muscle tone and stiff movements; dyskinetic CP, featuring involuntary, irregular movements such as chorea or dystonia; ataxic CP, characterized by poor balance and coordination; mixed CP, where more than one motor pattern is present; and hypotonic (low tone) CP. All of these are established categories used in clinical practice to describe motor impairment in cerebral palsy. Therefore, listing all these types as recognized is accurate. The other statements oversimplify or deny recognized classifications—spastic isn’t the only type, ataxic and dyskinetic CP are recognized, and there are multiple CP types beyond a single category. Recognizing these types helps guide assessment, prognosis, and intervention planning in physical therapy.