Understanding the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
When damage is done to the brain, cerebral palsy may result. Impaired muscle movements and coordination characterize cerebral palsy.
Recognizing the signs of cerebral palsy in an infant is not easy. It may start by recognizing that the baby’s movements are jerky and sudden - similar to cerebral palsy.
However, the signs become more apparent as the child ages. Cerebral palsy’s main types are:
Spastic cerebral palsy: is characterized by stiff muscles and it can affect either one side of the body or affect the entire body.
Athetoid cerebral palsy: movements are slow, jerky, uncontrollable movements.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: The balance and coordination are off.
Mixed cerebral palsy: This type combines the symptoms of the other cerebral palsy types
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms that May be Displayed by a Child
If your child is displaying cerebral palsy symptoms then take your child to a doctor for evaluation. The main symptom of cerebral palsy is the delay in development.
Early childhood milestones need to be met as the infant grows. Take your child to see a doctor if you believe that the milestones are not being met in a timely manner.
Some developmental delays to be aware of are:
*Head movements are uncontrollable after 2 months
*Not sitting on their own after 10 months
*The child is not crawling after one year
*One side of the child’s body drags
*Does not walk after 2 years of age
Child’s posture and early hand preference are two other signs to be aware of when considering cerebral palsy. When a child shows preference for one hand over the other before the age of one they should be evaluated by a doctor.
Associated Conditions, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Children born with cerebral palsy will experience other associated conditions such as:
*Seizures
*Breathing issues
*Possible impairments in vision, hearing or speech
*Mental development is impaired
When your child exhibits any of these signs it is important that they be evaluated by a doctor. Several tests may be given to help with a diagnosis. These tests may include, but are not limited to, EEG, CT scan and MRI.
Your child’s cerebral palsy may have been due to medical negligence during the birth process. These sort of cases could have been avoided.
If you believe that medical negligence is to blame for your child’s cerebral palsy, you should contact a medical attorney right a way for an evaluation of your case and advise as to your legal rights.