Signs Of Cerebral Palsy

Signs of cerebral palsy are often shown in the way a child motor skills. In most cases, children with cerebral palsy show varying signs of the illness that may range from mild to severe.

Cerebral palsy can be detected before 18 months of age. Within such time, a normal child learns how to sit, crawl, walk or smile. These are what may be called as developmental milestones. However, a child with cerebral palsy is not able to reach these milestones within 18 months and is showing signs of abnormal motor development.

In some cases, children with cerebral palsy also have abnormal muscle tone. The baby looks floppy and does not show signs of normal activity. Such a condition is called hypotonia. Meanwhile, there are some children with cerebral palsy who manifest the opposite of hypotonia. They show signs of stiffness and rigidity. This condition is called hypertonia.

During the latter years of life, children with cerebral palsy also show difficulty in writing. Often, they exhibit a very slow involuntary writing movement. This is called athetosis. Some children also show involuntary motor skills and find it hard to speak, see and hear.

Other symptoms involve excessive drooling or difficulties in speaking, swallowing and sucking.

Children with cerebral palsy also find it hard to control defecation. They cannot decipher the proper reaction to signs of defecation at an age where they should already be able to detect bowel movement. Other children also have difficulty urinating. They are unable to control their bladder.

While there may be no exact combination of the symptoms of cerebral palsy, parents should take responsibility in bringing their children to the physician once they detect any abnormal behavior from them. This way, the physician can validate whether the child's reaction is normal or not such that it constitutes what may be called as a developmental disorder. If needed, necessary medication and therapy can be provided.

Cerebral Palsy provides detailed information on Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy Physical Therapy, Athetoid Cerebral Palsy and more. Cerebral Palsy is affiliated with Multiple Sclerosis Treatments.