Multiple classification systems using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have been developed, linking brain lesions to time of birth, cerebral palsy subtype and functional ability. The overall goal of these studies is to elucidate etiology, timing of injury and pathogenesis of cerebral palsy. Around 70% of patients with DCP show lesions in the cortical and deep grey matter of the brain, more specifically in the basal ganglia and thalamus. However, other brain lesions and even normal-appearing MRI findings can occur, for example white matter lesions and brain maldevelopments. Patients with pure basal ganglia and thalamus lesions are more likely to show more severe choreoathetosis whereas dystonia may be associated with other brain lesions, such as the cerebellum. These lesions occur mostly during the peri- and postnatal period since these regions have a high vulnerability during the late third trimester of the pregnancy. Unfortunately, contemporary imaging is not sophisticated enough to detect all subtle brain deformities and network disorders in dystonia. Research with more refined imaging techniques including diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI is required.
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy
Athetoid cerebral palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy
Infantile progressive bulbar palsy
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
Klumpke paralysis
Babinski–Nageotte syndrome