Every parent longs to see their baby reach those precious milestones. But if you have concerns about your infant’s movement or development, it’s important to be aware of the early signs of cerebral palsy. This condition affects muscle control and posture, often due to brain development issues before birth. Here, we explore the telltale signs to watch for, helping you ensure your child receives the diagnosis and support they need to thrive.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy affects people differently, and the severity of the condition can vary widely.
The early signs of cerebral palsy are often developmental delays. Children with cerebral palsy may be slow to reach milestones such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking. They may also have abnormal muscle tone, with body parts that are floppy or too stiff. Abnormal posture is another common sign, and children with cerebral palsy may have difficulty with balance and coordination.
Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting about 1 in 345 children according to estimates from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, early intervention and treatment can help improve outcomes and quality of life for those with the condition.
Parents and caregivers can help identify the early signs of cerebral palsy by monitoring their child’s development and seeking medical attention if they have concerns. A doctor or specialist can perform a neurological exam and other tests to diagnose cerebral palsy and develop a treatment plan.
Motor Development Milestones
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. One of the early signs of cerebral palsy is a delay in motor development milestones. Children with cerebral palsy may be slow to reach milestones such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking.
Delayed Motor Skills
Children with cerebral palsy may experience delays in gross motor skills, fine motor skills, or both. Gross motor skills involve the use of large muscle groups, such as those used for crawling, walking, and jumping. Fine motor skills involve the use of smaller muscles, such as those used for grasping objects or writing.
Abnormal Muscle Tone and Reflexes
Abnormal muscle tone is another early sign of cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy may have floppy or stiff body parts. They may also have abnormal reflexes, such as a strong startle reflex or a reflex that causes them to arch their back.
If a child is experiencing delays in reaching motor milestones or has abnormal muscle tone or reflexes, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider. Early intervention can help improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
Visual and Auditory Indicators
Cerebral palsy affects the brain’s ability to control muscles and movements. However, it can also impact a child’s visual and auditory abilities. Here are a few visual and auditory indicators that may suggest a child has cerebral palsy.
Eye Muscle Imbalance
Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulty controlling their eye muscles, leading to eye muscle imbalance. This condition is known as strabismus and can result in the eyes pointing in different directions. Strabismus can cause double vision, headaches, and difficulty with depth perception. Parents should take note if their child’s eyes appear to be misaligned or if their child frequently tilts their head to see better.
Difficulty with Auditory Processing
In some cases, cerebral palsy can affect a child’s ability to process auditory information. Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments or may have trouble distinguishing between similar sounds. They may also have difficulty localizing sounds or may be overly sensitive to loud noises. If a child is not responding to sounds or does not seem to be developing age-appropriate language skills, it is important to consult with a doctor.
Behavioral and Cognitive Signs
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects a person’s movement and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, often before birth. While early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the first few months of life, many children are not diagnosed until age 2 or later.
Irritability and Feeding Difficulties
One of the early behavioral signs of cerebral palsy is irritability and feeding difficulties. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, infants with cerebral palsy may be irritable when held, have difficulty feeding, and may even choke or gag during feedings. These signs are often related to muscle stiffness or weakness, which can make it difficult for the infant to coordinate the movements necessary for feeding.
Cognitive Delays
Children with cerebral palsy may also experience cognitive delays. According to Cerebral Palsy Guidance, about 30 to 50 percent of children with cerebral palsy have some level of cognitive impairment. Delayed language development, difficulty speaking and responding to others, difficulty focusing on tasks, short attention span, difficulty learning to read and count, and issues with sensory stimulation are some of the most common signs of cognitive dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy. Children with severe cerebral palsy have a greater likelihood of having cognitive impairments.
If you suspect that your child may have cerebral palsy, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Parental Observations and Concerns
Parents and caregivers are often the first to notice signs of cerebral palsy in their child. It is important to pay attention to any concerns and bring them to the attention of the child’s doctor. Some early signs of cerebral palsy that parents may observe include:
- Delayed developmental milestones: Children with cerebral palsy may be slow to reach developmental milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking.
- Abnormal muscle tone: Some children with cerebral palsy may have stiff or floppy muscle tone, which can affect their movements and posture.
- Poor coordination and balance: Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulty with coordination and balance, which can affect their ability to perform daily tasks.
- Unusual movements: Children with cerebral palsy may make unusual movements, such as jerking or writhing, that are not typical for their age.
- Difficulty with fine motor skills: Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as grasping objects or manipulating small items.
Parents should also pay attention to any other concerns they may have about their child’s development, such as difficulty with feeding or speaking. Bring these concerns to the attention of the child’s doctor, who can evaluate the child and determine if further testing or evaluation is necessary.
Parents should also be aware of any risk factors for cerebral palsy, such as premature birth, low birth weight, or infections during pregnancy. By being aware of these risk factors and observing their child’s development, parents can help ensure that their child receives appropriate evaluation and treatment if necessary.
