Cerebral Palsy
Symptoms of cerebral palsy
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
The symptoms of cerebral palsy normally become apparent during the first three years of a child's life.
Achild withcerebral palsymay be slower in achieving important developmental goals, such as learning to crawl, walk or talk.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms largely depend on the specific form of cerebral palsy a person has.
The four main types of cerebral palsy are:
- spastic cerebral palsy when the muscles are weak and stiff (hypertonia), especially if moving them rapidly
- dyskinetic cerebral palsy when muscle tone (the unconscious ability to contract or relax muscles) varies between stiffness and floppiness ( Hypotonia ), causing random and uncontrolled body movements (choreoathetoid cerebral palsy), or involuntary spasms and postures (dystonic cerebral palsy)
- ataxic cerebral palsy when a person has balance and co-ordination problems, resulting in jerky and clumsy movements; they may also experience tremors (involuntary shaking) in their hands
- mixed cerebral palsy when a person has features of more than one of the types mentioned above
The symptoms of cerebral palsy differ in severity from person to person. Some people only have mild problems, while othersare severely disabled.
The areas affected by cerebral palsy can also vary. Some cases only affect one side of the body, some affect primarily the legs, and some affect both the arms and legs.
Associated problems
Peoplewith cerebral palsy can also have a range of related conditions or problems, including:
- repeated seizures or fits ( epilepsy )
- drooling and swallowing difficulties ( dysphagia )
- gasto-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- skeletal abnormalities, particularly hip dislocation or an abnormally curved spine ( scoliosis )
- difficulty controlling their bladder ( urinary incontinence )
- constipation
- difficulties speaking ( dysarthria )
- visual impairment
- hearing loss
- learning difficulties (although intelligence is often unaffected)
When to seek medical advice
If you're concerned about your child's development, see your GP.
If necessary, they can refer you to a paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in the treatment of children), who canhelp identify the problem.
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Articles for Cerebral Palsy
Causes of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling movement. It can occur if the brain is damaged in early life or develops abnormally.
Complications of cerebral palsy
Although the problem in the brain that causes cerebral palsy doesn't get worse with age, further physical and emotional problems can develop.
Diagnosing cerebral palsy
See your GP if you are concerned about your child's development. If necessary, they can refer you to a paediatrician.
Introduction
Cerebral palsy is the general term for a number of neurological conditions that affect movement and co-ordination.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy
The symptoms of cerebral palsy normally become apparent during the first three years of a child's life.
Treating cerebral palsy
Although there's no cure for cerebral palsy, a range of treatments are available to help treat many of the symptoms.
