Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Infants

Seventy percent of Cerebral palsy (CP) cases result from a birth injury. It is crucial to learn the signs and symptoms to detect if your child has been impacted by medical malpractice. 

 CP  is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and results from damage to the developing brain, typically occurring during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the early stages of infancy often as a result of medical malpractice. The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary widely, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention and a more effective management plan.

Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition that will require financial support. With the right legal representation, you may be able to access the funds your family needs for care.

In this article, we will explore the symptoms of cerebral palsy in infants, focusing on the key signs to look out for, the different types of CP, and the importance of early detection.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. The brain injury that causes CP may occur before, during, or shortly after birth. Common risk factors include premature birth, low birth weight, multiple pregnancies, infections during pregnancy, lack of oxygen during birth (asphyxia), and genetic factors.

The condition affects a person’s ability to control muscle movements, which can result in problems with posture, muscle tone, and motor coordination. Depending on the part of the brain affected, cerebral palsy can impact movement in different ways, leading to various symptoms and challenges. However, it is important to note that cerebral palsy does not usually worsen over time, but the challenges it presents can evolve as the child grows.

Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Infants

Recognizing cerebral palsy in its earliest stages can be challenging because the symptoms can be subtle or develop gradually. However, parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for any abnormal developmental milestones or signs of delayed physical coordination. For example according to the CDC 41% of children with CP have limited ability to crawl, walk, or play. 

Here are some key signs that may indicate the presence of cerebral palsy in infants:

1. Delayed Milestones

One of the earliest signs of cerebral palsy in infants is the delay in reaching developmental milestones. Infants with CP may exhibit delayed motor development, such as:

• Rolling over: By 4 to 6 months, most infants can roll over, but a child with CP may have difficulty or fail to achieve this milestone.
• Sitting up: By 6 months, babies typically begin sitting up unaided. Infants with CP may struggle with balance and muscle control, making it difficult to sit up.
• Crawling: Infants with CP may have trouble crawling or may develop an abnormal crawling pattern (such as scooting or dragging one side of the body).
• Standing and walking: Some children with cerebral palsy may not stand or walk by the expected age (usually between 9 and 18 months). In severe cases, they may never walk without assistance.

2. Abnormal Muscle Tone and Posture

One of the hallmark symptoms of cerebral palsy is abnormal muscle tone, which can manifest in different ways:

• Hypotonia (low muscle tone): Infants with CP may appear floppy or limp. They may not hold their head up or exhibit a lack of resistance when handled. This is often seen in the first few months of life.
• Hypertonia (high muscle tone): On the other hand, some infants may have increased muscle tone, which results in stiff, rigid muscles. Their arms and legs may appear stiff, and they may have difficulty moving their limbs freely.
• Abnormal postures: Some babies with cerebral palsy may adopt unusual postures, such as arching their back or holding their limbs in a fixed, abnormal position.

3. Uneven Movement and Coordination

Infants with cerebral palsy may demonstrate uneven or uncoordinated movement. This can be particularly noticeable as they attempt to reach, grab, or interact with objects. These signs may include:

• Difficulty using both sides of the body equally: Children with CP may favor one hand or one side of their body over the other. For example, an infant may always reach for objects with one hand rather than using both hands together.
• Involuntary movements: Some infants may exhibit involuntary or jerky movements. These can include sudden, uncontrolled muscle spasms or tremors, making it difficult to maintain normal motor control.
• Spasticity: Spasticity is one of the most common types of motor impairment seen in cerebral palsy. It refers to muscles that are stiff and resist stretching, making it difficult for a child to move their limbs smoothly.

4. Difficulty with Feeding and Swallowing

Infants with cerebral palsy may also experience challenges with feeding, swallowing, and sucking. This can occur due to poor muscle control in the mouth, tongue, and throat. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty sucking or swallowing: Infants with CP may struggle to latch onto the breast or bottle, or they may have difficulty swallowing food or liquid.
• Choking or gagging: Due to poor coordination of the muscles needed for swallowing, some children with cerebral palsy may choke or gag more frequently.
• Excessive drooling: Difficulty controlling saliva can lead to excessive drooling, which may persist beyond the typical age when drooling should decrease.

5. Vision and Hearing Problems

Some infants with cerebral palsy may have associated sensory impairments, such as vision or hearing problems. These sensory issues may be due to the neurological damage that also affects motor function. Signs of potential vision or hearing difficulties may include:

• Strabismus (crossed eyes): Misalignment of the eyes may be a sign of visual impairment in infants with cerebral palsy.
• Abnormal eye movements: Infants may exhibit abnormal eye movements, such as rapid eye jerking (nystagmus).
• Delayed response to sound: If an infant does not respond to sounds or voices by the expected age, it may indicate hearing difficulties.

6. Abnormal Reflexes

Reflexes are automatic movements that are typically present at birth and disappear as the child matures. However, in infants with cerebral palsy, certain reflexes may persist longer than usual. For example:

• Moro reflex (startle reflex): This reflex is elicited when the baby feels like it’s falling. The infant will have a startled look and their arms will fling out sideways. This reflex is typically present in newborns but should disappear by around 4-6 months. In babies with cerebral palsy, the Moro reflex may persist for longer.
• Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR): The ATNR is a primitive reflex that causes an infant to turn their head to one side and extend the arm on that side while the other arm flexes. If this reflex persists beyond 6 months, it may be a sign of cerebral palsy.

7. Seizures

Seizures are a common co-occurring symptom in children with cerebral palsy, particularly in those who have severe forms of the disorder. Seizures can present in various forms, such as:

• Tonic-clonic seizures: These involve jerking movements and loss of consciousness.
• Absence seizures: These seizures cause the child to appear to “stare off” or lose focus for brief periods.
• Focal seizures: These seizures affect one part of the body, such as twitching in one arm or leg.

 

Types of Cerebral Palsy and How Symptoms Differ

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary greatly depending on the type of CP a child has. The four primary types of cerebral palsy are:

1. Spastic Cerebral Palsy: The most common form, characterized by tight, stiff muscles that make movement difficult.
2. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Involves involuntary movements, such as writhing, twisting, or jerky motions.
3. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: A less common form marked by problems with balance and coordination.
4. Mixed Cerebral Palsy: A combination of two or more types, leading to a mix of symptoms.

The symptoms in infants may vary depending on the type, but some key differences include:

• Spastic CP often causes a significant degree of muscle stiffness and difficulty with fine and gross motor skills.
• Dyskinetic CP may present with involuntary and uncontrolled movements, making it harder for infants to control their limbs.
• Ataxic CP is marked by poor balance and coordination, which may lead to difficulties in sitting up, standing, or walking.

Importance of Early Detection

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that can have a significant impact on an infant’s development. Recognizing the early signs of cerebral palsy in infants is crucial for several reasons. Early diagnosis allows healthcare professionals to intervene with therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, which can help improve motor skills, communication, and quality of life.

If parents or caregivers notice any of the signs or symptoms described above, they should consult a healthcare provider and consider retaining legal representation with The Oshman Firm. Early intervention, while it cannot cure cerebral palsy, can significantly reduce the impact of the condition and help the child reach their full potential. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the sooner an individualized treatment plan can be put in place to support the infant’s development and growth. Additionally, legal advocacy can help seek out the monetary compensation needed for the child’s therapy and special equipment needs. 

In summary, while the signs of cerebral palsy in infants may not always be immediately obvious, parents and caregivers should be vigilant for developmental delays, abnormal muscle tone, difficulty with movement, and other associated symptoms. Early detection is key to providing the child with the best possible support and improving their long-term outcomes.

 

Sources:

 

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