cerebral palsy symptoms

MyChild™ Launches New Cerebral Palsy Website

MyChild™ is proud to announce the launch of the new cerebral palsy content rich MyChild™ website at www.MyChildwithCP.com.

MyChild™ aims to be the ULTIMATE resource forEVERYTHING cerebral palsy by connecting families with the information, resources, experts, and inspiration required to embrace a world with cerebral palsy. These are resources not easily found together in one site, until now.

Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Signs of cerebral palsy are different than symptoms of cerebral palsy. Signs are clinically identifiable effects of brain injury or malformation that cause cerebral palsy. A doctor will discern signs of a health concern during exam and testing. Symptoms, on the other hand, are effects the child feels or expresses; symptoms are not necessarily visible.

To learn more click on the following links to our new MyChild™ website:

Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Clinically identifiable Effects from Brain Injury or Brain Malformation That Causes Cerebral Palsy

The Difference Between Signs and Symptoms

Eight Clinical Signs of Cerebral Palsy

• Muscle Tone
• Movement Coordination and Control
• Reflexes
• Posture
• Balance
• Fine Motor Function
• Gross Motor Function
• Oromotor Dysfunction

In some instances, signs become more apparent when the child experiences developmental delay or fails to meet established developmental milestones.

• Developmental Delay
• Developmental Milestones

Those with cerebral palsy often have other associative conditions or co-mitigating health conditions that co-exist with the impairment from cerebral palsy. Often treatment plans treat all health conditions concurrently. The new MyChild™ website reports on common associative conditions and co-mitigating factors. To learn more:

Associative Conditions and Co-Mitigating Factors of Cerebral Palsy:

• Cognitive, Psychological and Behavioral
• Gastrointestinal, Nutritional and Dietary
• Neurologic
• Oral Health
• Orthopedic
• Respiratory
• Sensory
• Skin Health

Following is content originally published on this page for this topic.

How Do I Know if My Child Has Cerebral Palsy?

If your child is 2 to 3 years old, you might suspect that something isn’t “right.” Or maybe your gut told you early on that your baby was not developing like other babies her age.

Unfortunately, it can take years to determine if your child does in fact have developmental problems. Different babies develop at different rates, and most of the time each child falls into the range of “normal.”

For example, your neighbor’s daughter might start walking at 9 months. But your nephew may not take his first step until he is 18 months. Yet both children hit that milestone at the age that was healthy and normal for them.

So, because the age spectrums for “normal” are so broad, your doctor may not worry if your child can’t walk or firmly grasp and hold on to a toy until later than the average.

But if you suspect that your baby is not developing within the normal range, you obviously want to know why. And you may suspect cerebral palsy.

Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Children

Symptoms of cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe. Pay close attention if your child demonstrates one or a combination of the following:

• Struggles with fine motor skills. These include handling scissors, using crayons, buttoning a shirt, and any other movement that uses her fingers and hands
• Struggles with gross motor skills. These include walking, riding a tricycle, kicking a ball, and other movements that use his legs and arms.
• Trouble sitting upright. It takes a lot of muscle tone to sit up without toppling over.
• Shakes a lot or has uncontrollable jerking of her legs, arms, or torso.
• Muscles are weak.
• Body tremors, drooling, weakened muscles in his face; may lose control of his tongue.
• Trouble moving from one position to another.
• Trouble sucking.

If your child shows any of these signs, she needs to be seen by a doctor who is trained in diagnosing cerebral palsy. The doctor should perform a series of tests and ask you a series of questions about your child’s development.

Your child’s symptoms will vary by the type of cerebral palsy she is diagnosed with. If her cerebral palsy is considered severe, she may requirespecial help with her mobility as she develops and grows, including one or a combination of the following:

• A wheel chair
• Crutches
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Specialized care from an outside provider

How to Get Help if You Think Your Child May Have CP

Whatever it is your child needs to have a happier, healthier and more productive life, you may qualify for special monetary benefits. Especially if your child’s cerebral palsy could have been prevented.

As you may be discovering, the special care and equipment your child requires can be expensive. The good news is that it’s easier than you might expect to get the financial help you need.

If you are feeling lonely, scared, or confused as to what to do next, rest assured that someone cares. We are here to help you get the emotional and monetary support that you and your child deserve.