What Are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy falls into three different categories namely spastic cerebral palsy, Athetotic palsy and Ataxic cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a disorder that occurs when the part of the cells that makes up the part of the brain in control of muscular movements are damaged or destroyed.

The signs and symptoms of more than a single type of cerebral palsy can be seen in a mixed condition in some children. However, generally the signs and symptoms exhibited by children with cerebral palsy could be from mild to even severe. The symptoms of cerebral palsy however do not get worse as the child grows.

The signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy in children include stiffness in muscles and spasticity when the muscles become completely frozen, a walking gait that is asymmetrical with either one foot or leg, which they tend to drag. They have lack of muscle co ordination when they perform actions. Their muscles could be either too stiff or floppy and they will show signs of excessive drooling because they are unable to swallow anything even the saliva. This can be seen especially when they suck something or when they are speaking. Tremors can be seen on their body and they will find it difficult to perform simple actions like buttoning a shirt or suing a pencil or pen to write something. Though some children with cerebral palsy can show signs of mental retardation, others are very bright and intelligent. While some may need assistance to go about their daily lives there are still others who may need special care and the use of a wheel chair.

In infants who are suffering from cerebral palsy the signs are obvious from an early age itself. If parents notice that their infants are not making the milestones that infants of the same age group are making then they have to seek medical assistance to diagnose if their infant has cerebral palsy. Infants may take more time to roll over or even difficulty I controlling their heads. They may be very slow when it comes to crawling and standing or even walking. Parents need to watch for these signs in their infants and if they feel that their infant is not making any headway in walking or even crawling by the time it is 18 months old then it is obvious that their infant has cerebral palsy.

Another sign in children with cerebral palsy is seizures and abnormal movements. Seizures occur because of electrical short circuits that take place in the brain. If you happen to see a child who has difficulty in swallowing or even while speaking with their saliva drooling from their mouths then you can be sure that that the child has cerebral palsy as drooling is a sign of this disorder. Drooling happens because of the child's difficulty to control and move not only its tongue and mouth but also its throat muscles.

All these above signs and symptoms are sure indications that you child has cerebral palsy. You need to consult your physician immediately.

Melvin Kops, the author of many articles regarding health, nutrition and medicine is an expert in his field. Well qualified in medicine, Kops has been writing about various diseases, their causes and their possible cures. Having a keen interest in writing, Kops has coupled his knowledge of medicine with his flair of writing to dispense information about various diseases and cures.