Cerebral Palsy

Symptoms will vary based on the type of Cerebral Palsy an individual has. The types and symptoms include:

• Spastic diplegia or paraplegia — Spasticity (shaking) of the legs or arms
• Spastic quadriplegia or tetraplegia — Spasticity of all arms and legs
• Spastic hemiplegia — Spasticity that affects one side of the body, such as the right arm and right leg
• Spastic double hemiplegia — Spasticity on both sides of the body
• Athetoid CP or dyskinetic CP — Involuntary twisting and rigid movement
• Ataxic CP — Affects balance and fine motor coordination

Cerebral Palsy occurs when there's abnormal development of or damage to areas of the brain that control motor function. This can happen before or during birth (congenital CP). Most CP cases are congenital. Less commonly, CP can happen after birth. This is called acquired CP and usually happens from an infection or head injury.

In many cases, the exact cause of CP isn't known. It may be the result of a problem, such as:

• Lack of oxygen to the brain
• Genetic condition
• Infection
• Bleeding in the brain
• Severe jaundice
• Head injury

A diagnosis of CP isn't usually made until a child is at least age 6 to 12 months. Babies with CP are often slow to reach developmental motor milestones. These may include learning to roll over, sit, crawl, or walk. They may also keep certain reflexes that normally disappear in early infancy.

In addition to a physical exam and a health history and symptom review, your healthcare provider may order the following tests:

• Nervous system exam
• MRI
• Feeding studies
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Gait lab analysis
• CT scan
• Genetic studies
• Metabolic tests