Cerebral palsy consists of several permanent neurological disorders that develop in infancy and early childhood. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) points out that the impact of the disorder can be seen in body movement and muscle coordination problems. The abnormalities in parts of the brain interfere with normal muscle movement control. Some children are born with the disorder while others develop it from brain damage, states the NIH. Symptoms tend to appear before a child reaches age three. The range of symptoms is great, as each case can be unique.
Muscle Coordination
As an infant or child attempts to carry out movements, the muscles may not respond to brain messages appropriately. This can lead to an obvious lack of muscle coordination. It is possible for an infant or child to have overly floppy muscles. This can result in the head not being held upright or other parts of the body being too relaxed. It is difficult and sometimes impossible for an individual with cerebral palsy to move these sections of the body in a normal manner. For example, it may require a great deal of effort to sit upright for an individual with cerebral palsy.
Fine motor skills can be inhibited a great deal, making any activity that requires the use of the fingers and hands extremely difficult, states CerebralPalsy.org. Gross motor skills like riding a tricycle or kicking a ball can also be difficult for children with the disorder. The individual may experience body tremors or shaking.
Muscle Stiffness
The muscles can be overly rigid or stiff, including during physical activities where the muscles should be relaxed. Reflexes can be exaggerated, states the Mayo Clinic. Once a child walks, she may drag one leg or foot while walking, states the NIH. Other unusual changes that can be noticed when walking include walking on the toes, crouching while walking or crossing the legs with each step. Involuntary movements of the body can occur with this disorder, including jerking of the arms, legs or torso.
Oral Symptoms
Due to the inability to control facial muscles, a child with cerebral palsy may not be able to swallow as easily as necessary. This can lead to excessive drooling and trouble sucking or speaking, states the Mayo Clinic. Weakened facial muscles can cause unusual facial expressions and even a loss of control over the tongue.
