A child is born with cerebral palsy or can become afflicted in infancy. There are some indicators of CP that can be noticed early. The doctor may advice tests to confirm the diagnosis. Medication and surgery are advised in some cases to avoid complications.
- Early Indicators
- Developmental Milestones of a Normal Baby.
- Tests a Doctor may Advice
- Medication and Therapy
Early indicators
- Most often a problem is suspected when the childs milestones are delayed.
- A mother may find that the child is about eight months old and the head is still not steady.
- The child may be close to his second birthday and still may not be trying to walk.
- The muscle tone of the body may be different. The muscles are stiff or flaccid.
- The child may show preference for one side of the body.
- The child may exhibit unusual posture.
Progress of a Normal Baby
All normal children do not cross the developmental milestones at the same pace. However the following chart gives us an idea regarding the stage when we can reasonably expect a baby to achieve certain milestones as part of its physical and mental growth.
| Age (in Months) | Normal activities (when prone) | Normal activities (when supine) |
| 3 | Lying on stomach, Holds head up | |
| 4-6 | On back-looks, listens reaches out and makes sounds | In supine, No head lag.Cries when uncomfortable, smiles when happy |
| 5-6 | Puts things in the mouth | Sits up with support |
| 6 | Rolls over and head becomes steady.Transfers objects from one hand to another | Reaches out and grasps objects |
| 7-8 | Repeats simple words.Is afraid of strangers | Sits alone |
| 10 | Likes to play with sand and water | Crawls |
| 10-12 | Stands alone | Stands alone |
| 11-12 | Learns more words | Walks holding onto things |
| 13 | Walks alone | |
| 15-18 | Eats without help | Places objects on top of each other.Likes to listen to stories and asks questions |
Tests a Doctor may Advice
The doctor needs to look at the medical history of the child, including details of the pregnancy and the birth of the child. It would be helpful if you maintain a record of vaccination and noted the illnesses and the child has suffered.
The doctor first checks the reflexes of the baby. A reflex action is an automatic response by the body to some external stimulus. When a baby is held on its back with its head in a level below its feet, it stretches out its arm as if to hug something. This is called the Moro reflex. This reflex action is not present in normal babies after six months. In children with cerebral palsy it is exhibited for much longer.
The doctor can also check for hand preference. Hand preference is not marked in babies until the first year or so. But a hemiplegic child will use her good hand even if you hold a toy close to the other hand.
To rule out the possibility of other illnesses, and to see if the damaged part can be located, other tests may be advised by the doctor. A CAT scan which can show, with the help of X rays and a computer, brain tissues and structures and MRI, which uses magnetic and radio waves to do the same, may be required.
An Electro Encephalogram (EEG) is recommended to detect if the child gets fits.
With these tests the doctor can determine if the child is spasticor not. But sadly the CP childs visit to the hospital does not stop with this. A complete health check up is required to determine if there are other disabilities.
Medication and Therapy
When is medication useful?
The brain damage a child has suffered cannot be repaired. But some of its effects can be modified.
If the child has fits or seizures these can be brought under control through medicines.
Medication can also reduce the stiffness of the muscles and help them relax. These are administered orally or injected into the muscle in question.
What are contractures?
Though CP is not a progressive condition, complications might develop. In a normal person when the bones grow the muscles attached to the bone grow at the same pace. This is because the muscles are in constant use and are stretched regularly. But in a spastic child, as the muscles are stiff and not much movement is made, the muscles do not stretch and sometimes stop growing. They become fixed in an abnormal position. This condition is called a contracture.
When is surgery necessary?
When bones are growing and muscles dont this might result in deformity. For instance, if the big muscle at the back of the ankle (Tendo Achilles) does not grow in pace with the bone the child will not be able to rest the heel and will be forced to walk on her toes. Then it becomes necessary to operate and lengthen the muscle.
However if the problem is noticed early enough physiotherapy and a suitable orthotic device (like braces) can stretch and exercise the muscle and enable it to grow. Physiotherapy becomes an integral part of the spastic childs routine. This prevents the weakening of muscles due to disuse. It also prevents contractures and thereby helps avoid surgery.
A Complete Health Checklist
When it is confirmed that a child has cerebral Palsy, the child has to take a complete health check. Any of the following may be possible. Some of them are serious disabilities. Some are nuisance factors that may lead to minor illnesses.
| Problem areas /conditions |
Possible Complications | Steps to be taken |
| Respiratory Diseases | Due to restricted mobility some may have greater susceptibility to upper respiratory tract diseases. | To be treated promptly. Antibiotics may be advised. |
| Epilepsy and Seizures | About 50% of CP children are prone to this. | Medication can bring relief. |
| Feeding Problems | Chewing may be difficult. The suck and swallow pattern may continue even after infancy. Chances of aspiration are higher as the larynx may not close in time for the swallow. Food or liquid may enter the lungs. Regurgitation may occur. All this might put the child off feeding. | Consult the physician regarding the food consistency best for your child. Minor surgery or insertion of tube can facilitate easier feeding. Nutritional supplements may have to be given. |
| Drooling | Control of saliva may be difficult | Temporarily solved by wearing an absorbent bib. Surgery can route the saliva to the throat and control the dripping from the mouth. |
| Dental | When tongue movements are difficult food may get lodged in the teeth. Teeth might be uneven. These might lead to dental problems | Brushing after every meal is advised. |
| Digestion | Due to the lack of mobility CP children may get constipated. | Plenty of fluids should be given to soften stools. More fibre must be included in the diet to add to the bulk. |
| Vision | Squint and short-sight are common | Early detection is possible. An ophthalmologist can tell you if squint needs to be corrected surgically. The child is prescribed spectacles in case of short sight, as soon as she is able to handle it. |
| Hearing | A small percentage of CP children have hearing problems. | Must be taken to an ENT for audio test. Must be helped to communicate. |
| Speech and language problems | Because of limited movement of the tongue and the speech organs, articulation might be difficult, though the childs understanding of language might be normal. | Speech therapy must be started as early as possible to help the child communicate better. |
| Learning disabilities | Varies from child to child. The IQ levels vary from normal to borderline to severe retardation. Some are good with language skills but poor at math. Poor attention spans are also observed. | Must be assessed and introduced to a special school or teaching programme. |
| Behavioural Problems | Temper tantrums, aggression or repetitive rocking and head banging may be exhibited. | Many of these are born out of boredom, frustration, or a seeking of attention. Giving attention and setting achievable but interesting tasks can mitigate these. |
Source : http://www.webhealthcentre.com/general/cerebral_palsy_check.asp