Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy | Cerebral Palsy FAQ

Different types of cerebral palsy are often diagnosed at different times. Severe cerebral palsy can be diagnosed as early as one month of age. Spastic cerebral palsy may not be diagnosed until the baby is six months of age, and dyskinetic cerebral palsy is typically not apparent until the child is roughly 18 months of age. Ataxic cerebral palsy may take even longer to diagnose. Because the clinical signs of cerebral palsy evolve as a persons nervous system matures, a diagnosis may require several trips to the doctor for serial examinations. This is particularly true of preterm babies.

Often when discussing medical diagnoses, the layperson might think about symptoms more than signs. The difference between the two is subtle: symptoms are internal feelings, and signs are observable to other people. Here, we discuss early signs of cerebral palsy because infants and very young children may be unable to communicate or express their symptoms.

Often, parents are the first to noticesigns of cerebral palsyin a baby. In fact, 70 to80percentof all disabilities in children are initially noticed by parents. Nonetheless, physicians must do regular and proper examinations of all babies and young children. In addition, if there is any suspicion that a babys brain suffered an oxygen-depriving insult, which can be caused by cord, placenta or uterine problems, as well as brain bleeds, an MRI should be performed soon after birth to assess any potential brain damage.MRI scans must be performed at regular intervals thereafter so physicians can monitorthe brain injury as it evolves.

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain that usually occur during or near the time of childbirth. Impairments caused by cerebral palsy range in severity, usually in correlation with the extent and location of the brain injury.The most common early signs of cerebral palsy are developmental delays. Cause for concern may include delaysin reaching key growth milestones, such as rolling over, crawling, sitting, and walking. When diagnosing cerebral palsy, medical professionalswill look for signs such as abnormal muscle tone, unusual posture, persistent infant reflexes (such as looking for a nipple), and early development of a hand preference.

Cerebral palsy primarily affectsmuscle tone, gross and fine motor functions, balance, control, posture, and reflexes. Early signs of cerebral palsy related to these areas include abnormality withmuscles in the mouth and face. Parents may be able to detectproblems swallowing and feeding and holding facial expressions.

In addition to the above signs, the following signs may potentially be cause for concern at any age during a baby or toddlers growth and development, and may be a sign of cerebral palsy:

Children are often not diagnosed with cerebral palsy until about one to two years of age when it becomes clear that they are missing milestones. However, research by Novak et al. (2017), published in JAMA Pediatrics, suggests that it is possible to diagnose cerebral palsy before six months corrected age. Corrected age takes into account an infants due date; if they were born early, the number of months they were premature is subtracted from their age. For example, if an infant is seven months old but was born two months prematurely, the corrected age would be five months.

Novak et al. did a literature review of published papers on cerebral palsy, and concluded that the following tools are especially useful in early diagnosis and risk assessment:

In certain cases, making an absolute diagnosis at such a young age may not be feasible. However, the authors stress that the ability to identify infants in a high-risk category is extremely beneficial because they may be given certain forms of early intervention that can optimize cognitive and motor abilities and prevent secondary complications from developing.

It is crucialto diagnose cerebral palsy as soon as possible. The earlier a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the earlier he or she can begin treatment and therapy regimens. Early diagnosis, treatment, and therapy for cerebral palsy help minimize a childs handicaps. Beginning therapeutic and rehabilitative programs and measures early can help the child reach his or her cognitive, physical, social, and emotional potential with greater ease. Additionally, early diagnosis and treatment can help the entire family adjust to a life with cerebral palsy.

Furthermore, diagnosing cerebral palsy early for children whose injuries were caused by medical malpractice is particularly important because these children may be entitled to compensation from a personal injury or medical malpractice case. Funds from a successful medical malpractice case help children with permanent injuries such as cerebral palsy afford important treatment, therapy, and lifestyle adjustment resources. If a family waits too long to detect cerebral palsy, adjust to the condition, and pursue legal help, their childs statute of limitations may expire. Detecting early signs of cerebral palsy, diagnosing the condition, and pursuing legal action if need be is critical for a better life for children with cerebral palsyfrom medical malpractice.

View our video library to see Michigan cerebral palsy lawyers Jesse Reiter & Rebecca Walsh discuss causes of and treatments for cerebral palsy and other birth injuries.

Sources:

Miller, G. Diagnosis and classification of cerebral palsy. In: UpToDate, Hoppin, AG (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2013.

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Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy | Cerebral Palsy FAQ