Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Newborns

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a blanket term for a variety of neurological symptoms that occur in newborns and young children. Parents of newborns need to be especially alert for symptoms because most cases of CP are present at birth. According to the University of California Children's hospital, only 10 to 20 percent of CP cases occur after birth. The remaining 80 to 90 percent of children with CP are born with it.

There are four types of cerebral palsy, and each has its own set of symptoms that might show up in a newborn. They are: Spastic Cerebral Palsy, which is the most common type. It affects 70 to 80 percent of CP sufferers. It is characterized by stiff or permanently contracted muscles. A newborn with this type of CP might have tremors or uncontrollable shaking that is limited to one side of the body. Athetoid (Dyskinetic) Cerebral Palsy, which afflicts 10 to 20 percent of CP sufferers. A newborn may drool or appear to be frowning, and there may be a slow, uncontrolled writing of the arms, hands, feet. and legs. Symptoms tend to disappear when the baby is sleeping. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, which is found in 5 to 10 percent of CP patients. It is difficult to recognize in a newborn because it primarily affects coordination, balance, and depth perception. Parents may not realize anything is wrong until the baby is old enough to attempt coordinated tasks or when he starts walking. Toddlers with this type of CP often walk with their feet far apart. Mixed Forms of Cerebral Palsy, in which afflicted newborns may show symptoms of more than one type. Other symptoms in newborns may include a decreased muscle tone that makes the baby seem too relaxed. Hypotonia or decreased muscle tone. Your baby may seem overly relaxed, flaccid or "floppy." Impaired motor development or developmental delay. Your baby may be slow to roll over, smile, sit, crawl or walk.

Parents should be particularly on the alert for signs of Cerebral Palsy in newborns who have been exposed to known risk factors. Even though the exact cause of cerebral palsy in newborns is not known, these factors have been linked to its occurrence. They are: -Exposure of the unborn baby to chemicals, high levels of alcohol, or cigarette smoke. All of these exposures take place through the mother. -Brain trauma to the unborn baby as a result from physical trauma to the mother during her pregnancy -Exposure of the unborn baby to certain infections contracted by the mother during her pregnancy -Breech birth, with the baby heading into the birth canal with its feet first instead of the head. -Complications during labor. -Low birth weight. While this is a risk factor on its own, it is often caused by one or more of the previous risk factors.

When parents notice the symptoms of CP in their newborn child, they need to consult a doctor who can make a definite diagnosis. This is done through a review of the baby's medical history and the mother's prenatal history, as well as diagnostic tests. These may include computerized tomography (CT), which creates an image of the brain using a computer and X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which creates an image via radio waves and a magnetic field, an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record the brain's electrical activity, and ultrasounds. The doctor will also test the baby's reflexes. He will seek to rule out other causes before confirming the CP diagnosis.

The main reason that parents should be alert for CP symptoms in a newborn is to intervene as early as possible if the baby does indeed have CP. Although there is no cure, early treatment can help an afflicted child have the best quality of life and minimize the effects of the disorder. When a baby is diagnosed, the parents can select doctors who are specialists in the treatment of CP. As the baby gets older, physical, occupational and speech therapists can get involved. Once the child is old enough for school, educators can also assist in creating an appropriate plan.