How do I know if my child has Cerebral Palsy?

 Being a parent is a never-ending rollercoaster of joy, stress, and pride in watching your child grow every day. From teaching them to tie their shoes to getting them their first vaccinations, their every step and action can cause a flutter in your heart. As a parent, it is only natural for you to worry about their health. “Should I feed my kid more greens? Should I consult with a doctor? Why is he/she finding it difficult to swallow food?” and more such riddling questions will always loom over your head. 

But sometimes, this parental intuition of being extra cautious works for the better, especially when you worry about your child’s health and well-being. Several disorders and medical conditions usually exhibit their first signs in the early stages of a child’s growth. Therefore, it is recommended that you monitor your child’s speech, movements, and habits from the beginning. One of the highly common conditions that manifests itself in early childhood is Cerebral Palsy (CP) — a medical disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. 

Understanding Cerebral Palsy 

Cerebral Palsy affects the way a child or an adult controls their muscles and movements because of defects in the brain that affect their motor skills and muscle strength. Studies have shown that CP affects at least 1.5 to 4 out of every 1,000 children worldwide. In most cases, the onset of CP happens early in a child’s life — sometimes even within weeks of birth. But the disorder itself is often difficult to diagnose in newborns and infants. It takes several months of careful observation to identify the characteristics of the condition correctly. 

What are the causes of Cerebral Palsy? 

There is no definitive cause of Cerebral Palsy. But research suggests the following probable factors that result in this condition: 

● Gene mutations that lead to abnormal development 

● Maternal infections that affect the developing fetus 

● Fetal stroke — a disruption of blood supply to the developing brain 

● Brain hemorrhage in the fetal state or as a newborn 

● Infant infections that cause inflammation in or around the brain 

● A traumatic head injury to an infant from a vehicle accident or fall 

In some rare cases, CP can result from brain damage caused by: 

● Lead poisoning 

● Bacterial meningitis 

● Poor blood flow to the brain 

How can I know if my child has Cerebral Palsy? 

Each child’s brain grows at a different pace. It is important to remember that each case of CP presents unique signs. So even if you feel your child displays some symptoms, refrain from arriving at a diagnosis yourself and consult a specialist. Here are some initial signs you can look out for before heading for a consult: 

Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Babies 

● Has low muscle tone (for example, your baby feels floppy when picked up) 

● Finds it difficult to hold up their head while lying on their stomach or in a sitting position 

● Displays muscle spasms or feels stiff 

● Has poor muscle control, reflexes, and posture 

● Shows delay in development such as inability to sit up or roll over by the age of six months 

● Has difficulty swallowing 

● Uses only one side of their body 

Prematurely born babies born are at a higher risk of CP, as their brains may not have had enough time to fully develop. 

Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers 

● Shows poor visual attention and has wandering visual interests 

● Vomits frequently 

● Has shaky arm and leg muscles 

● Finds it difficult to stand independently without support 

● Experiences a series of quick, rhythmic involuntary reflex movements 

● Displays abnormal oral patterns such as: 

- Biting hard without release - Showing grimaces - Having an overly sensitive mouth 

You can also observe your child’s physical development or chart their growth to understand if they are showing any symptoms. For example: 

● Inability to walk by 12-18 months 

● Inability to speak simple sentences by 24 months 

If you notice that your child is displaying some of the signs listed above at these ages, you may need to speak to your doctor soon. 

What are the treatment options for Cerebral Palsy? 

Children and adults with CP require long-term physical and mental care. While there's no cure, several resources and therapies are available that can help your kid grow and develop. The treatment for Cerebral Palsy completely depends upon the severity of the disorder. Some of the treatment options that are usually recommended for Cerebral Palsy are: 

Physiotherapy: This includes muscle training and exercises that can help your child's strength, flexibility, balance, motor development, and mobility. As the parent, you will also be trained in how to safely care for your child’s needs. 

Occupational therapy: This treatment includes helping your child regain control of their body by performing daily activities independently. Occupational therapists focus on assisting your child to improve their functioning at home, school, or community. At its core, this therapy is used to enable a child’s participation in daily activities such as eating, bathing, attending school, playing, and socializing. 

Speech and language therapy: This includes improving your child’s ability to communicate through speech. Speech therapists use techniques that enhance the oral-motor function and facilitate communication in your child. They are also taught how to chew, eat, and drink with the use of exercises. Children with Cerebral Palsy are also taught to use communication devices and voice assistants to stimulate their communication. 

Stem Cell therapy: This is a regenerative treatment that involves the replacement of damaged cells with stem cells. This treatment is quickly gaining popularity as a potential treatment of Cerebral Palsy. Early results indicate that it is an effective option when combined with other treatments. 

If you see your child display any signs of CP, it would be best to get them checked by a specialist. Always remember that faith and positivity can triumph over any medical condition or disability. Give your child all the support and attention they deserve to help them lead a fuller, happier life even through difficulties.