Which condition is characterized as a disorder of voluntary movement?

Cerebral palsy is primarily characterized as a disorder of voluntary movement. It is a neurological condition that results from brain damage or abnormalities that occur during fetal development, childbirth, or shortly after birth. This condition often affects muscle control, coordination, and the ability to move, making it challenging for individuals to execute voluntary movements smoothly and accurately.

Individuals with cerebral palsy may experience a range of symptoms, including difficulty with fine and gross motor skills, muscle stiffness or weakness, and involuntary movements. The severity and type of movement difficulties can vary widely depending on the extent of brain injury and the area of the brain affected.

While athetosis involves involuntary movements that can occur in those with cerebral palsy, it specifically refers to slow, writhing movements. Hypertonia describes increased muscle tone, which can also be present in cerebral palsy but does not encompass the full range of movement disorders associated with it. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that primarily affects the spinal cord and may lead to mobility challenges but is not primarily characterized as a disorder of voluntary movement.

In summary, cerebral palsy encompasses the broader issues of voluntary movement impairment, making it the correct choice in this context.