How To Identify Cerebral Palsy - Signs and Symptoms

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls coordination and muscle control. The majority of cerebral palsy symptoms are not the same for every child, since there are three distinct types of the condition. A child’s symptoms will depend heavily on which type he or she has. The three types are ataxic, atethoid and spastic; with spastic cerebral palsy being further categorized into spastic diplegia, spastic hemiplegia or spastic quadriplegia; depending on the limbs affected.

The majority of cerebral palsy symptoms do not have a set time frame as to when they will appear; however, once they do appear, they can make movement and coordination difficult. This in no way means that those with cerebral palsy can never function on their own though. Therapeutic procedures and techniques can be designed to help cerebral palsy children achieve their full potential. Many people who get the appropriate treatment can live happy, enjoyable and fulfilling lives. Some children may exhibit signs and symptoms during the first few days and weeks after birth, while others with a mild case of cerebral palsy may only show symptoms after a year or more.

Therapeutic procedures and techniques can range anywhere from special exercises to mental health counseling. Some of the physical therapy methods like exercises can be performed with parents in the home. It is always important to remember, however, that therapeutic programs should be tailored to the ability and condition of each individual person. A therapy program can be developed with the combined assistance of several specialists.

Specialists work together as a team to build a cerebral palsy treatment program to deal with the symptoms. A team of specialists may include psychotherapists, neurologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons and special education teachers. There are definitive guidelines to follow when diagnosing cerebral palsy. Specialists may try to rule out other possible conditions that may show similar symptoms. Your child’s doctor will also take into consideration such factors as muscle tone, reflexes, movement and visible limb deformities.

Parents should know when to expect babies to perform certain motor tasks, and they should be concerned if their baby is not learning to crawl, grasp, sit, stand or walk at age appropriate levels. This is even truer if the child is over one year of age. Think about seeing a specialist if you suspect that your child has delays in motor function development.

This disorder is diagnosed during a detailed clinical examination of cerebral palsy symptoms and also through eliminating other similar diseases, like a brain tumor or progressive atrophy. A CT scan and an MRI brain scan, as well as routine investigations are needed to rule out other possibilities. If your child is exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned above, be sure to speak with your pediatrician about your concerns.