The signs of cerebral palsy are not easy to recognize in an infant. Often the first sign recognized are movements that are jerky and sudden, similar to cerebral palsy.

However as the child gets older signs become more apparent. Main types of cerebral palsy are:

Spastic cerebral palsy: stiff muscles that affect either one side or the whole body are characteristic of this type of cerebral palsy.

Athetoid cerebral palsy: movements are slow, jerky, uncontrollable movements.

Ataxic cerebral palsy: The balance and coordination are off.

Mixed cerebral palsy: The symptoms of the other cerebral palsy types are mixed in this particular condition.

Is Your Child Displaying Cerebral Palsy Symptoms?

An evaluation by a doctor is important if your child is displaying any cerebral palsy symptoms. A primary symptom of cerebral palsy is developmental delays.

Early childhood milestones need to be met as the infant grows. Take your child to see a doctor if you believe that the milestones are not being met in a timely manner.

Be aware of these developmental delays:

*Uncontrollable head movements after 2 months

*Not sitting on their own after 10 months

*The child is not crawling after one year

*the child’s body drags on one side

*the child is not walking after 2 years

Child’s posture and early hand preference are two other signs to be aware of when considering cerebral palsy. When a child shows preference for one hand over the other before the age of one they should be evaluated by a doctor.

Associated Conditions, Symptoms & Diagnosis

These associated conditions are common in children born with cerebral palsy:

*Seizures

*Breathing problems

*Impairments in hearing, speech or vision

*Challenged in their mental development

Bring your child in for an evaluation by a doctor if they show any of these signs. Some diagnostic tests that may be used are MRI, CT scan, EEG and other related tests depending on the symptoms that are presenting.

Your child’s cerebral palsy may have been due to medical negligence during the birth process. These sort of cases could have been avoided.

A medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your case if you believe your child’s cerebral palsy is due to medical negligence. Contact and attorney as soon as you receive a diagnosis for advisement of your legal rights.