What is a defining feature of dyskinetic CP?

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by involuntary movements, which can significantly impact muscle tone. A defining feature of this type of CP is that individuals may present with fluctuating muscle tone that is either too tight (hypertonia) or too loose (hypotonia). This variability in muscle tone can lead to difficulties in maintaining controlled movements, resulting in challenges with coordination and posture.

In contrast, other movements such as shaking are more characteristic of other types of CP, and while stiffness in the arms and legs can be seen in spastic types of CP, it is not a defining feature of dyskinetic CP. Similarly, low muscle tone and slowness may suggest other conditions or types of CP but do not encapsulate the hallmark features of dyskinetic CP. The fluctuations in muscle tone, which can range from one extreme to the other, are what fundamentally distinguish dyskinetic CP from other forms of this condition.