The Mayo Clinic defines cerebral palsy as a category of disorders that are defined by the loss of movement or nerve functions. The problem does not originate in the nerves or muscles, but the part of the brain that controls the muscles.
Significance
The Mayo Clinic estimates that each year, approximately 5,000 babies and infants in the United States are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The diagnosis is often made after the child is six months old, due to difficulties in appropriate diagnosis, like delay of symptoms.
Causes
Many people with cerebral palsy are born with the disorder, even though it may not be diagnosed for months to years. It is caused by abnormal brain development in utero, or by brain injury from birth to three years old.
Symptoms
Symptoms generally appear before the child is three years old, and can include stiff or tight muscles, one foot or leg dragging when walking, exaggerated reflexes, lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movements, and abnormal muscle tone.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made by observing the child's physical signs and behaviors. In order to rule out other disorders, various tests may also be performed, such as CT scans, and MRI scans. These tests can show images of damage to the brain.
Diagnostic and Treatment Team
Many healthcare professionals are involved in diagnosis and treatment of individuals with cerebral palsy, including pediatric neurologists, urologists, speech pathologists, orthopedic specialists, and pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists.
