By Eddie Jones, Partner and Head of Medical Negligence, JMW Solicitors
As a parent, you want nothing more than to see your child grow and thrive. However, some children face health challenges early in life that can affect their development. Cerebral palsy can be one of the most serious examples of this. In the post we look at How to Recognise Cerebral Palsy Symptoms in Babies.
Cerebral palsy causes varying degrees of physical and cognitive disabilities. It is therefore crucial for parents to recognise the signs and symptoms in babies and young children. Doing so will help to ensure that children who might be affected get the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
This guide aims to provide you with an understanding of the factors that cause cerebral palsy in infants. How to spot the symptoms, and the steps to take if you suspect your child may be affected.
Table of Contents
Understanding Cerebral Palsy and Its Causes
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that result from brain damage occurring in the womb or during or shortly after birth. The condition can arise from various factors, such as:
- Bleeding in the baby’s brain
- Insufficient blood and oxygen supply during birth
- Infections during pregnancy
- Meningitis
- Hypoglycaemia or low blood sugars
- Severe jaundice or kernicterus
- Severe head injuries in infancy
Some children, particularly those born prematurely or as part of multiple births, may be more susceptible to cerebral palsy.
The Importance of Early Identification
Recognising the signs of cerebral palsy as early as possible is crucial for your child’s wellbeing. Prompt diagnosis allows healthcare providers to initiate appropriate interventions and therapies. That can help manage symptoms and improve your child’s overall quality of life.
Early intervention can also help mitigate the impact of long-term disabilities. And provide you with the resources and support needed to help your child live as independently as possible.
It’s important to note that cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition, meaning it does not worsen over time. However, the symptoms and challenges faced by those with cerebral palsy can change as they grow and develop. Making it important to ensure they are receiving the right treatment at each stage of their lives.
Spotting Key Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Babies
Symptoms of cerebral palsy may not be immediately evident in newborns. As they usually emerge within the first two to three years of life. As a parent, keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Stiff or floppy muscles
- Limited arm and leg strength
- Uncoordinated and irregular movement
- Walking on tiptoes
- Delays in sitting up after eight months or walking after 18 months
Additional age-specific symptoms include:
- For infants younger than six months: stiffness or floppiness; head sagging when picked up; overextension of back or neck; and stiffening or crossing of legs when picked up
- For infants between six and 10 months: inability to roll over; not bringing hands together or to their mouth; and reaching out with one hand while keeping the other in a fist
- For infants older than 10 months: uneven and uncoordinated crawl; hopping on their knees or dragging themselves using their hands while seated
Other symptoms related to brain damage caused by cerebral palsy include. Learning disabilities, feeding and swallowing difficulties, constipation, speech problems, seizures, diminished vision, and hearing loss.
It is also important to note that cerebral palsy refers to a group of distinct disorders. That each of the four main types has its own unique set of symptoms and challenges:
- Spastic cerebral palsy: The most common form, affecting around 80 per cent of individuals with cerebral palsy. This type is characterised by muscle stiffness and tightness, leading to difficulties with movement and coordination
- Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: This type causes fluctuating muscle tone, with muscles sometimes appearing stiff and other times appearing limp. Individuals with dyskinetic cerebral palsy may experience involuntary movements, muscle spasms, and difficulty with fine motor skills
- Ataxic cerebral palsy: This form of cerebral palsy primarily affects balance and coordination. Individuals with ataxic cerebral palsy may display unsteady or awkward movements, tremors, and difficulty with tasks that require precise movements, such as writing or buttoning a shirt
- Mixed cerebral palsy: This type combines symptoms from multiple forms of cerebral palsy simultaneously, making it more complex and challenging to manage
Next Steps if You Suspect Your Child Has Cerebral Palsy
If you have concerns that your child may have cerebral palsy, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. This typically begins with your GP, who can then refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and diagnosis if necessary.
If diagnosed, it’s essential to ensure your child receives appropriate treatment and support, including:
- Physiotherapy: This therapy aims to improve your child’s movement, muscle strength and flexibility, helping them achieve greater independence and mobility.
- Speech and language therapy: This intervention helps children with cerebral palsy develop and improve their communication skills, including speaking, understanding and using non-verbal cues.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists provide advice and support on how to accomplish everyday tasks, such as dressing, eating and using the toilet, as well as recommending adaptive equipment to make daily activities easier.
- Medications: Various medications can help manage physical symptoms, including muscle stiffness, tightness and pain, as well as address issues such as epilepsy, if present.
- Mental health support: Emotional wellbeing is crucial for children with cerebral palsy, and mental health professionals can provide guidance and counselling to help them cope with the emotional challenges they may face.
- Educational support: In the UK, schools and educational institutions are required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that children with cerebral palsy receive the support they need to succeed academically.
- Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to improve movement, correct deformities or alleviate pain.
It is also essential to know what to do if you believe that medical negligence played a role in your child developing cerebral palsy. If you think this is the case – for example, because of delays in delivery or failures in the quality of care you received – you should consult a specialist clinical negligence solicitor such as a cerebral palsy lawyer to determine whether you have a case to claim compensation. A successful case can provide the financial means necessary to support your child’s care and needs for their lifetime.
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, early identification and appropriate treatment can offer your child the best opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. By staying informed, advocating for your child and connecting with other families who have similar experiences, you can foster a strong support network that will empower both you and your child throughout their journey.
