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 as the child gets older signs become more apparent. Main types of cerebral palsy are:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy: affects the entire body or can affect either side of the body and is characterized by stiff muscles.
Athetoid cerebral palsy: characterized by slow, jerky and uncontrollable movements.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: The balance and coordination are off.
Mixed cerebral palsy: This condition usually is made of symptoms of 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.
As an infant grows they conquer milestones through to early childhood. If you notice your child not meeting these milestones, you should bring your child to see a doctor.
Be aware of these developmental delays:
*Head movements are uncontrollable after 2 months
*when the child is not sitting on their own after 10 months
*after one year the child is still not crawling
*One side of the child's body drags
*Does not walk after 2 years of age
Other signs to be aware of are muscle stiffness, a child's posture and a less noticeable sign is early hand preference. Early hand preference is when a child favors one hand over the other. Normally this will take place at one year of age or older. If they favor one hand before age one then take your child to see a doctor.
Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy and Associated Conditions
When a child is born with cerebral palsy they may also have some of these associated conditions:
*Seizures
*Breathing issues
*Vision, speech, or hearing impairments
*Mental development is impaired
Bring your child in for an evaluation by a doctor if they show any of these signs. Some diagnostic tests that may be used are MRI, CT scan, EEG and other related tests depending on the symptoms that are presenting.
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 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.
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