Cerebral Palsy and Arthrogryposis - Similarities and Differences

Recently, I embarrassed myself a little when I asked a neighbor if she could talk to me about cerebral palsy (her daughter is physically challenged). When she gave me an incredulous look, I thought the topic was just too sensitive for her. But then when she said her daughter didn’t have CP…let’s just say I started searching for a large rock to hide under.

It’s an easy mistake to make since CP and Arthrogryposis can affect the same parts of the body. I had never even heard of Arthrogryposis before this mom explained the difference to me. Here’s what I’ve learned.

Cerebral Palsy, or CP, is an orthopedic impairment (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) that is caused by some sort of brain injury. The damage can occur in the womb (about 70-80% of cases), during delivery (less than 10% of cases) or after birth. There is a long list of risk factors that can lead to this particular brain injury that range from genetic birth defects to jaundice to head injury. The condition can range from very mild, affecting coordination and balance, to very severe, confining the individual to a wheelchair. Depending on the severity of the condition there may be some level of intellectual or learning disability, but that is not always the case. Cerebral Palsy is not a progressive condition, so it won’t get worse as time passes.

Arthrogryposis is also a non-progressive, musculoskeletal condition in which the joints are stiff or deformed and the muscles are not properly developed. While the precise cause is unknown, some theories are: lack of space in the womb to allow for proper development or viral infection. A genetic link has been found in about a third of the cases of Arthrogryposis.The hands, wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, hips and other areas of the body are often impacted, which is why the condition can appear to be moderate to severe CP. Affected individuals may need the use of braces, crutches, walkers or even wheelchairs.

Treatments for both Cerebral Palsy and Arthrogryposis are similar. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are typically required in both situations. In the case of CP, speech therapy may also be called for. Arthrogryposis symptoms may be helped with elective surgery. In both cases, the therapeutic methods are determined on a case by case basis. Support groups for individuals with either condition, as well as for their families, are helpful for coping with the emotional and psychological difficulties of dealing with the physical challenges.

Cerebral Palsy and Arthrogryposis may have some similarities in appearance and in the way they are treated. At the core, however, they are fundamentally different. So, if you’re not sure what an individual’s diagnosis is, it’s best to find a tactful way of asking.