Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary widely and may include difficulty with fine motor tasks (such as writing or using scissors), difficulty maintaining balance or walking, and involuntary movements. The symptoms differ from person-to-person and may change over time.
Cerebral palsy first shows up in children aged three years or younger. Symptoms vary depending on what areas of the brain are affected. Some children may have severe disabilities. Although symptoms may change as the child grows older, his condition is unlikely to worsen.
Symptoms include:
- Late to turn over, sit up, smile, or walk
- Trouble writing, buttoning a button, or other fine motor activities
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Tight, spastic muscles
- Weak muscles
- Poor balance
- Speech problems
- Tremors
- Unintentional body movements
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
Some people with cerebral palsy suffer from other medical disorders as well, including:
- Seizures
- Intellectual disability
- Learning disabilities
- Vision or hearing problems
- Failure-to-thrive
- Decreased ability to feel pain or identify items by touch
- Problems with bowel and bladder control
- Breathing problems if food or water has accidentally entered the lungs
- Skin breakdown
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by testing motor skills and reflexes, looking into medical history, and employing a variety of specialized tests.
Tests may include:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) —a test that records the brain's electrical activity using electrodes placed on the surface of the head
- CT scan of the head—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head
- MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the head
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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