| Every parent should know the signs of cerebral palsy. | | | | By the age of 1, a child will begin to stand on his own, |
| Of course, not every child will have the condition. | | | | walk with some help and grasp objects with his hands. |
| Those who do also cannot be cured of the disorder. | | | | By the age of two, a child should be able to walk by |
| Detecting the condition however, could lead to early | | | | himself, pick toys, pull and push and seat himself. |
| therapy and treatment. Having the condition treated | | | | A child who is unable to accomplish these |
| early can help improve a child's ability to cope with life's | | | | developmental tasks may be showing signs of |
| challenges. | | | | cerebral palsy. Add to this the appearance of other |
| Waiting for Signs | | | | possible signs and symptoms such as scissors gait, |
| Cerebral palsy signs aren't the same for every child. | | | | tremors, drooling, lack of movement coordination and |
| This is because there are various types of the | | | | lack of balance. |
| disorder. The signs and symptoms also therefore tend | | | | Muscle Tone |
| to differ. The time when the first visible signs appear | | | | Aside from developmental clues, a child's muscle tone |
| also varies per individual. Some infants may show | | | | should also be checked. A baby with the disorder |
| signs in the first few weeks or months of birth. There | | | | could have very soft or floppy muscles or very rigid |
| are others however, who may only show indications | | | | ones. It is possible that babies may initially have floppy |
| of the disorder after a couple of years. Whether the | | | | muscles that become rigid. If you are not sure about |
| signs appear early or late, one thing is certain, parents | | | | the right feel of infant muscle tone, you have to ask |
| are often the first ones to notice them. It is therefore | | | | your child's pediatrician. |
| crucial that parents be vigilant and observant. | | | | Reflexes |
| Developmental Signs | | | | Doctors also check reflexes aside from muscle tone. |
| There are many possible signs of cerebral palsy. The | | | | There are certain primitive reflexes that should only be |
| most telling signs however are delays in the natural | | | | present in infants. Their presence in older babies and |
| motor progress of the child. This means that a child | | | | children could be signs of cerebral palsy. One common |
| with cerebral palsy may not be able to walk, crawl, | | | | example is the Moro reflex. A baby on its back with |
| grasp, sit or smile on the ages which he normally | | | | the legs tilted up would raise its arms in a seeming |
| should. Be careful though. Not every delayed child has | | | | embrace. This reflex disappears after six months or |
| cerebral palsy. That is why observations of motor | | | | so. Those who retain this reflex should be checked |
| abilities are always paired with other diagnostic factors. | | | | further for cerebral palsy. |
| In general, there are specific motors skills that develop | | | | There is no reason to believe that you should watch |
| on certain months after birth. From 3-6 months, a child | | | | for signs of cerebral palsy. Your child may never have |
| should gradually be able to gain control of its neck. He | | | | the condition at all. It still pays however, to be extra |
| will also learn to crawl and sit with some assistance. | | | | watchful and prepared for any eventualities. |