Signs And Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy And Brain Injury

Early diagnosis is key to adequate intervention for infants and young children with cerebral palsy (CP), and yet, many sufferers go undiagnosed until preschool or even later. If you suspect that your child or the child of a loved one has cerebral palsy, be sure to watch for these common indicators:

Symptoms Noticed at Birth

Doctors generally wait to diagnose CP until the child reaches one years old, but they can note telltale signs right at birth or shortly thereafter. Babies with CP may have an unusually shrill cry or may struggle to suck or swallow. Their bodies may either be very relaxed or very stiff.

Signs Observed in Toddlers, Children, and Adults

Once the young patient reaches 18 months old, other indicators can appear, possibly increasing in intensity over time. These include:

  • Abnormal sensations. Even seemingly innocuous touches or activities (such as tooth-brushing) may be uncomfortable or downright painful for those with CP.
  • Drooling or trouble swallowing. Dysphagia (the medical term for swallowing difficulties) is often observed in CP patients shortly after birth. The problem can continue into adulthood if patients are not taught proper swallowing technique. If not addressed, dysphagia can lead to malnutrition.
  • Muscle and joint stiffness. Those with spastic CP may suffer severe stiffness and rigidity, making it difficult to walk and carry out other physical motions.
  • Lack of fine motor skills. Individuals with CP may struggle to tie their shoes or write with a pencil. Although this lack of fine motor skills can accompany any type of CP, it is particularly common among those with ataxia.
  • Unusual gait. Many people with CP are unable to walk at all. Those who do may demonstrate an odd gait, such as crossing knees, asymmetry in movement, or walking on the toes.
  • Vision impairment. CP can be accompanied by a variety of vision problems, including lazy eye and farsightedness. Those with ataxic CP may struggle to focus on a single object or shift their focus quickly.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Many children with CP suffer from related disorders. The United States Centers for Disease Control reports that 41 percent of CP sufferers also have epilepsy, and 7 percent have autism spectrum disorder. A 2013 study published in The Scientific World Journal found that 57 percent of those diagnosed with CP fit the criteria for psychiatric disorders. Severity of CP had little to do with the presence of these disorders. ADHD was the most common co-occurring psychiatric disorder identified in the study, but depressive and anxiety disorders were also common, particularly among those with functional levels approaching their healthy peers.