Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects the brain’s ability to control the movement of muscles, which is called motor skills. There are a number of neurological disorders that can affect the development of the brain’s cerebral cortex, which is the part responsible for controlling motor skills. Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, early diagnosis of the condition can help patients to overcome the developmental disabilities.
Early Signs
Most children who have cerebral palsy are diagnosed with the condition by the age of two. There are, however, mild cases of cerebral palsy that are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are not as obvious. One of the early signs that a child has cerebral palsy is missing a developmental milestone.
Developmental Milestones
By the end of the third month of life, an infant should be able to stretch out the legs and kick when lying on the stomach or back, raise the head and chest when lying on the stomach, and bring the hand to the mouth and grasp and shake toys. By the end of the seventh month, the infant should be able sit with and without support on the hands, support the entire weight on the legs, reach with one hand and transfer an object from hand to hand. By the end of twelve months, the child should be able to crawl forward on the belly, creep forward on hands and knees, stand momentarily without support and walk while holding onto furniture. By the end of two years, the child should be able to say two-word sentences, speak at least 15 words, push a wheeled toy and walk with a heel-toe walking pattern.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy include lack of muscle coordination and exaggerated reflexes. Excessive drooling and difficulties with swallowing or speaking are also symptoms. Muscles that are too stiff or too floppy are indications of cerebral palsy, as well as tremors and involuntary shaking. Difficulties with precise motions such as buttoning a shirt or writing are also indications of cerebral palsy and can lead to a diagnosis.
Progression
One of the signs that physicians look for in the diagnosis of cerebral palsy is the progression of symptoms. Because the symptoms displayed by a child who has cerebral palsy can be the same symptoms for other disorders, a physician will seek to determine if the symptoms worsen over time. Cerebral palsy by definition is a non-progressive disorder, so if the symptoms get worse, cerebral palsy can be ruled out. If the symptoms remain the same and do not worsen, cerebral palsy could be the diagnosis.
Neuroimaging
Physicians can use neuroimaging tests to capture images of the brain. These tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, and cranial ultrasound tests. These tests can rule out cerebral palsy, and if the diagnosis is cerebral palsy, these tests can show the physician the location and the type of brain damage.
