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: a type of cerebral palsy where the coordination and balance 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.
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.
There are developmental delays to be aware of and some of these are:
*Uncontrollable head movements after 2 months
*Not sitting on their own after 10 months
*after one year the child is still not crawling
*the child's body drags on one side
*after 2 years, the child is not walking
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
These associated conditions are common in children born with cerebral palsy:
*Seizures
*Problems with breathing
*Vision, speech, or hearing impairments
*They are mentally challenged
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.
Your child's cerebral palsy may have been due to medical negligence during the birth process. These sort of cases could have been avoided.
A medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your case if you believe your child's cerebral palsy is due to medical negligence. Contact and attorney as soon as you receive a diagnosis for advisement of your legal rights.
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