When is cerebral palsy diagnosed in babies

The goal of a developmental evaluation is to diagnose the specific type of disorder that affects a child. The doctor will try to rule out other disorders that could cause similar problems. Because many children with CP also have related developmental conditions such as intellectual disability; seizures; or vision, hearing, or speech problems, it is important to evaluate the child to find these disorders as well. The developmental evaluation can be performed by the primary care doctor or by a specialist.

Specialists who can do this type of developmental evaluation include:. In addition to the developmental evaluation, additional tests can be done to look for a cause of CP. Specialists might suggest brain imaging tests, such as x-ray computed tomography CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging MRI.

An electroencephalogram EEG , genetic testing, or metabolic testing, or a combination of these, also might be done.

Generally, signs and symptoms include problems with movement and coordination, speech and eating, development, and other problems. The brain disorder causing cerebral palsy doesn't change with time, so the symptoms usually don't worsen with age. However, as the child gets older, some symptoms might become more or less apparent. And muscle shortening and muscle rigidity can worsen if not treated aggressively.

It's important to get a prompt diagnosis for a movement disorder or delays in your child's development. See your child's doctor if you have concerns about episodes of loss of awareness of surroundings or of unusual bodily movements or muscle tone, impaired coordination, swallowing difficulties, eye muscle imbalance, or other developmental issues.

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. This usually happens before a child is born, but it can occur at birth or in early infancy.

In many cases, the cause isn't known. Many factors can lead to problems with brain development. Some include:. Certain infections or toxic exposures during pregnancy can significantly increase cerebral palsy risk to the baby. Inflammation triggered by infection or fever can damage the unborn baby's developing brain. While the potential contribution from each is limited, additional pregnancy or birth factors associated with increased cerebral palsy risk include:.

Muscle weakness, muscle spasticity and coordination problems can contribute to a number of complications either during childhood or in adulthood, including:. Most cases of cerebral palsy can't be prevented, but you can reduce risks. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you can take these steps to keep healthy and minimize pregnancy complications:. Rarely, cerebral palsy can be caused by brain damage that occurs in childhood. Practice good general safety.

Prevent head injuries by providing your child with a car seat, bicycle helmet, safety rails on the bed and appropriate supervision. If the results of a physical assessment indicate cerebral palsy, doctors may recommend additional testing. Physical and cognitive signs and symptoms that indicate cerebral palsy vary widely, depending on which parts of the brain are affected, how severe the injury is, and the age of the baby or child when symptoms first appear.

Cerebral palsy affects every child differently. Some children can move with the assistance of a walker or brace, and others may not be able to stand or walk. Social and developmental aspects of the condition also vary widely. The condition may affect one side of the body, which is called hemiplegia. When it affects the upper or lower body, the condition is called diplegia. Quadriplegia is when cerebral palsy affects the upper and lower body on both sides. This is the most severe form of the condition.

If cerebral palsy is severe, some signs and symptoms may be evident at birth. In many children, however, symptoms appear over time, as the child develops.

Mild cerebral palsy may not be noticed until a child begins walking and has symptoms that may include stiffness or tightness in joints, a limp, uncontrolled movement, or difficulty controlling muscles in the hands and feet. Physical symptoms may be accompanied by speech delays, hearing or vision problems, or cognitive and intellectual disabilities.

As children grow during the first year of life, spasticity and imbalance in developing muscles may cause changes in the alignment of bones and joints throughout the body. For instance, if muscles surrounding the hips become too tight, this tension may pull the hip bone from its socket, called hip displacement.

A similar imbalance of muscles in the back may result in scoliosis , in which the spine develops unusual curves. Orthopedic conditions such as these may limit movement or make sitting or walking difficult or uncomfortable. How do doctors diagnose cerebral palsy? Some children may have very relaxed, floppy muscles, while others have stiff, tight muscles. Doctors will also look for any unusual postures or if the child favours one side over the other.

McIntyre, S. Developmental Disability Research Reviews, 17 2 , Cerebral palsy: what parents and doctors want to know. British Medical Journal, , Wilson, M.