How Cerebral Palsy Is Diagnosed in Infants

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When cerebral palsy is suspected, it’s a frightening time for parents as they await a diagnosis. It’s difficult because it takes time to know for sure if cerebral palsy is the condition. Understanding how cerebral palsy is diagnosed in infants is helpful, so as you wait, you’ll understand that this diagnosis can’t happen overnight. This article will look at the three main steps that lead to the diagnosis: monitoring, screening, and evaluations. We’ll then discuss cerebral palsy treatments.

Monitoring

Developmental monitoring, also called surveillance, is the tracking of an infant’s development. At each doctor’s visit, the doctor will ask the parents questions about their child’s development and check the development themselves.

The doctor is looking for clues as to where development is and if the infant may be struggling or showing signs of cerebral palsy.

Screening Tests

Developmental screening is used at specific months of age for all infants and when looking for signs of cerebral palsy. The recommended ages are 9 months, 18 months, and 24-30 months. In these screening tests, doctors are looking for signs of delay in movement and motor skills. Parents are again asked questions about the infant’s development.

Evaluations

A specialist is often involved in a child’s developmental evaluations. Using what’s been found throughout months of monitoring and screening tests along with other findings, such as delays in speech, seizures, and intellectual issues, aid the doctors in a diagnosis.

Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

Treatment for cerebral palsy comes in many forms. Age, along with the condition of a patient, determines the treatment plan. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but using a variety of therapies shows great success in helping those with the disease live full lives. Let’s look at common treatments for those with cerebral palsy.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often implemented to help a patient with cerebral palsy gain strength, balance, and coordination. This form of therapy takes place in a physical therapy center or at home. Therapists work with patients and teach them, as well as their caregiver, how to incorporate physical therapy exercises at home for greater progress.

Speech Therapy

For some with cerebral palsy, speech is difficult. A speech therapist works to improve quality and understanding of speech. They also help with chewing and swallowing issues.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy assists in helping those with cerebral palsy to manage everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed on their own or getting dressed.

Recreational Therapy

Great success is seen in recreational therapies which include sporting activities. Horseback riding and skiing are two examples of recreational therapy. This type of therapy promotes balance, strength, determination, and confidence.

Cerebral palsy varies for each person and can take some time to diagnose. Understanding how cerebral palsy is diagnosed in infants is the best way to gain patience as you wait. See your child’s doctor regularly and always express any concerns. Thankfully, even with a cerebral palsy diagnosis, those with cerebral palsy can go on to live a productive and happy life.

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