What Classification of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The GMFCS was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) as a universal standard for the determining the physical capabilities of a patient with cerebral palsy. GMFCS focuses on what the child is able to do rather than what his or her limitations are. GMFCS has five levels and is age specific. Emphasis is on the following capabilities:
the ability to sit
capability for movement and mobility
charting independence
use of adaptive technology
The GMFCS has five levels, which increase with decreasing mobility. The five levels of the GMFCS are:
Level I
able to walk without limitations
Level II
able to walk long distances, but cannot run or jump
may need assistive devices such as braces when first learning to walk
may need a wheel chair outside of the home
Level III
able to sit with little support and is independent in standing
able to “walk with adaptive assistance”
walking indoors requires “hand held adaptive assistance”
requires wheeled assistance outdoors
Level IV
limited self-mobility
some support when sitting
able to move independently with wheeled assistance
Level V
head and trunk limitations are severe
need for assistive technology and manual help is extensive

may be able to control a motorized wheel chair

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy