About Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy has four types of expression. Spastic cerebral palsy causes the child's muscles to have spasms and to be constantly contracted. These children have some uncontrolled movements as a result of this condition. The second type is ataxic cerebral palsy, which causes the opposite effect of the spastic type. These children experience weakened support of their body frame, giving them poor balance, jitters, and an unstable walk. The third type of cerebral palsy is athetoid cerebral palsy, characterized by the muscles having both high and low muscle tone. This condition makes it difficult for these people to stand and sit upright. These people have a lot of involuntary movements of the face, upper body, and extremities. The fourth type of cerebral palsy is mixed cerebral palsy, characterized by a simultaneous display of both spastic and ataxic muscle condition.

Signs of cerebral palsy that are commonly witnessed after birth are difficulty swallowing or sucking and a very faint cry. A baby may hold her body in a very stiff fashion or she may be very flimsy and unable to support her overall weight.

Early detection of cerebral palsy is very important to receiving time-sensitive treatments. Children display different manifestations of the condition at various stages. By 2 months of age, these children may not be able to control their heads and may stiffen their bodies when picked up. By 6 months, these children may still not be able to control their heads, and they may only extend one hand when reaching for something. At 10 months, the child may not be able to sit unattended and may drag one side of his body while crawling. If a child is not crawling or standing without support by 12 months, the possibility of cerebral palsy should be discussed with the doctor. At 24 months, children who are still unable to walk or play with rolling toys may be exhibiting cerebral palsy. Consult a pediatrician.

Arm and leg muscles affected by cerebral palsy are often rendered inactive. They do not grow and are thus smaller, due to an associated nervous system defect. People with cerebral palsy have an altered sense of touch, ranging from inability to feel differences, to feelings of pain when lightly touched. Other symptoms of cerebral palsy include drooling, dental problems, and skin irritation. Because their muscles are compromised, people with cerebral palsy are more prone to accidents. The inability to have complete control over their physical bodies and the occurrence of seizures associated with the brain and nerve injuries, make people with cerebral palsy more susceptible to falling and other accidents. Other symptoms of cerebral palsy include the development of other illnesses, such as heart and lung disease. There are also behavioral responses as a result of cerebral palsy, which include irritability, lack of interest, and sleepiness.

Parents faced with cerebral palsy should consult a child neurologist for specialized care of the child's brain injury and nervous system development. They may also want to seek the services of a developmental pediatrician who can help to harness and develop the child's motor skills and coordination. The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities can assist parents with finding cerebral palsy specialists in their local area. Their phone number is: (800) 695-0285. Parents can also contact the CDC for more information, as well.