Cerebral palsy, or CP, can produce a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The symptoms your child displays depends on the type of CP he suffers from. In most cases, children are diagnosed by age 1 or 2, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, if his symptoms are more mild than severe, a diagnosis may not come until he is 4 or 5 years of age.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
The most common form of CP, spastic cerebral palsy has five classifications, two of which are considered extremely rare, according to the Neurology Channel.
Spastic diplegia affects either both the arms or both the legs, though it tends to affect the legs more. You will notice his limbs are stiff and permanently contracted--meaning he is unable to straighten them--and his legs will often cross at the knees and turn outward.
Spastic hemiplegia affects the limbs on one side of the body, causing uncontrollable shaking on the affected side that makes movement difficult. Additional symptoms include learning disabilities, seizures, vision problems and speech problems due to dysfunction of his mouth and tongue.
Spastic quadriplegia affects both arms and legs as well as his body, and is accompanied by mental retardation, according to Cerebral Palsy.org. Not only is his ability to walk and talk hindered greatly, but he is at greater risk for various medical complications due to being immobile.
Athetoid (Dyskinetic) Cerebral Palsy
Athetoid cerebral palsy affects your child muscle tone--it is either too tight or weak. While she may have a normal level of intelligence, her hand, foot, leg and arm movements are uncontrolled and slow. Her movements may also be sudden or jerky and she may have difficulty with her posture. In addition, her facial muscles may be weak, resulting in uncontrolled drooling.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
The least common of all types, ataxic cerebral palsy tends to affect balance and fine motor skills. He will find it difficult to tie his shoes, write his name, button his shirt or use scissors. When walking, his feet will be spread further apart due to his lack of balance. Tremors are also common when he reaches for something he wants, such as a cup or toy. These tremors intensify the closer he gets to the object of his desire.
Cranial Ultrasound
A cranial ultrasound is generally used for babies who are born prematurely and who may be at risk of cerebral palsy, states the Mayo Clinic. High frequency sound waves produce images of the soft images of the brain and the procedure typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. While not as detailed as a CT scan or MRI, it is the least intrusive and better suited for infants.
CT Scan and MRI
Both of these tests provide a doctor with more detailed images of your child's brain and cause no pain to your child. The computerized tomography, or CT, scan takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, while the magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test takes an hour. In some cases, your child may need a sedative if she is unable to remain still for the test.
Electroencephalogram
The electroencephalogram, or EEG, is performed on children who have experienced seizures and is used to either diagnose or rule out epilepsy as a secondary condition with his cerebral palsy. Doing so helps his doctor treat him more effectively. During an EEG, electrodes are placed strategically on your child's head to monitor the electrical activity taking place in his brain. If any electrical abnormalities or disturbances are detected, chances are that he is also epileptic.
