The term cerebral palsy is used to identify many conditions that affect posture and movement. It occurs when the brain is not able to send the appropriate signals to the body to control the muscles. It can occur during pregnancy, from an injury at birth or later on, and usually appears during the first few years of life. There are different categories of cerebral palsy, depending on the type of movement disorder that is occurring. Your doctor can use several different tests and procedures to help diagnose this condition.
Identification
Cerebral palsy is a condition that is usually diagnosed at birth, but can appear after a few months or years of life. There are specific areas of the brain that function to control movement and coordination. For those with cerebral palsy, these areas are damaged. Some causes include abnormalities in how the child's brain develops during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Cerebral palsy can be caused by genetic conditions and problems with the blood supply to the brain. It can also occur because of problems related to pregnancy or during delivery. CP that occurs after birth may be the result of infections, bleeding in the brain, lack of oxygen, severe jaundice or head injury. This condition is sometimes diagnosed in cases of premature birth.
Recognizing Symptoms
You and your doctor may suspect cerebral palsy if certain symptoms are present. This includes having trouble handling and using objects such as scissors or pens, and grasping objects that require fine motor skills in the hands and fingers. Having difficulty sitting upright, walking, playing games or maintaining balance are other clues. Cerebral palsy causes the muscles to become weak and may lead to uncontrolled and jerking movements of the arms and legs. The muscles will often feel stiff or tight in those with CP.
Motor Tests
A trained physician can look for signs of abnormal movements, such as slower-than-normal development, lack of adequate muscle tone and an inability to maintain posture. Certain reflexes such as the Moro reflex can be identified in infants older than 6 months to help support a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Infants with cerebral palsy will usually demonstrate right or left hand preference much earlier than infants without CP.
Scans
Imaging scans such as CT and MRI tests can help to confirm a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. A CT or computed tomography scan is similar to an x-ray and can show the structures of the brain. Abnormalities in the scan can help your physician diagnose CP, and it provides information on how the disease may progress. MRIs, or magnetic resonance imaging scans, work with a magnetic field to help provide a more detailed picture of the brain's structure and tissue health.
Brain Functioning Tests
An EEG, or electroencephalogram, is a non-invasive and simple test that uses electrodes placed on the scalp to help detect the electrical activity of the brain as it sends signals to the body. Abnormalities will be present in those with cerebral palsy. While not as reliable, intelligence tests may also be administered along with the above tests to help narrow the diagnosis.
