Cerebral palsy

Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy can become more apparent over time, so a diagnosis might not be made until a few months to a year after birth. In some cases where the signs and symptoms are mild, diagnosis may be delayed longer.

If your family doctor or pediatrician suspects your child has cerebral palsy, he or she will evaluate your child's signs and symptoms, monitor growth and development, review your child's medical history, and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor might refer you to specialists trained in treating children with brain and nervous system conditions, such as a pediatric neurologist, pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and child developmental specialist.

Your doctor might also order a series of tests to make a diagnosis and rule out other possible causes.

Brain scans

Brain-imaging technologies can reveal areas of damage or abnormal development in the brain. These tests might include the following:

MRI. An MRI uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed 3D or cross-sectional images of the brain. An MRI can often identify lesions or abnormalities in your child's brain. This test is painless, but it's noisy and can take up to an hour to complete. Your child will likely receive a sedative or light general anesthesia beforehand.

Cranial ultrasound. This can be performed during infancy. A cranial ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the brain. An ultrasound doesn't produce a detailed image, but it may be used because it's quick and it can provide a valuable preliminary assessment of the brain.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

If your child is suspected of having seizures, an EEG can evaluate the condition further. Seizures can develop in a child with epilepsy. In an EEG test, a series of electrodes are attached to your child's scalp. The EEG records the electrical activity of your child's brain. It's common for there to be changes in normal brain wave patterns in epilepsy.

Laboratory tests

Tests of the blood, urine or skin might be used to screen for genetic or metabolic problems.

Additional tests

If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you'll likely be referred to specialists to test your child for other conditions often associated with the disorder. These tests can identify problems with:

Vision

Hearing

Speech

Intellect

Development

Movement

Other medical conditions

The primary treatment options for cerebral palsy are medication, therapy, and surgery. The goal of cerebral palsy treatment is to manage symptoms, relieve pain, and maximize independence to achieve a long, healthy life.

Cerebral palsy treatment is tailored to each individual to target and treat their specific symptoms.

The type of cerebral palsy treatments needed can depend on:

Co-occurring conditions

Level of impairment

Location of movement problems

Type of cerebral palsy (spastic, athetoid, ataxic, hypotonic, and mixed)

Considerations before starting treatment

Treatment for a child with cerebral palsy is not solely focused on correcting their physical disabilities. There are also social and emotional aspects of living a more fulfilling life that should be considered when choosing cerebral palsy treatment options.

Many children are content with their disabilities. As a parent, it is important to consider their feelings.

Some treatments can be stressful and uncomfortable and may not be in the best interest of the child. It is critical to discuss the physical and emotional impacts of all treatments with specialists — and, most importantly, with your child.

It is also important to consider the cost of therapy. Many families are not financially prepared for the expenses of their child’s treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that the lifetime cost to care for an individual with cerebral palsy is nearly $1 million.