Cerebral Palsy Symptoms: Recognizing Early Symptoms
When damage is done to the brain, cerebral palsy may result. Impaired muscle movements and coordination characterize cerebral palsy.
It is not easy to recognize the signs of cerebral palsy in an infant. Jerky and sudden movements - similar to cerebral palsy - may be the first sign that is recognized.
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
Delayed development is the main symptom of cerebral palsy. Be sure to take your child to a doctor for an evaluation if he or she is displaying any cerebral palsy symptoms.
Milestones in early childhood are important to watch and monitor as your infant grows. An evaluation by a doctor is necessary if your child is not meeting the milestones.
Be aware of these developmental delays:
*Movements of the head, after 2 months, that are uncontrollable
*after 10 months, if the child doesn't sit up on their own
*after one year the child is still not crawling
*One side of the child's body drags
*after 2 years, the child is not walking
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.
Other Symptoms, Associated Conditions and Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Children born with cerebral palsy will experience other associated conditions such as:
*Seizures
*Breathing issues
*Impairments in hearing, speech or vision
*Mental development is impaired
If your child shows any of the signs mentioned you need to bring them in to be evaluated by a specialist. MRIs, CT scans, EEGs and other related tests will be given in order to diagnose effectively.
At times, cerebral palsy is due to neglect of the medical staff during the birthing process. These cases could have been avoided with adequate care and attention.
If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy you need to talk to a medical malpractice attorney and they will evaluate your case for free and advise you of your legal rights.
Related posts:
