There are four main categories of this condition, each identified by a different set of cerebral palsy symptoms. Most babies cannot be positively diagnosed as suffering from the condition immediately after birth as the symptoms may not be apparent. Often the first sign is that a child is unusually slow to reach early development milestones. After the first three months, parents can sometimes notice a lack of facial expression or a lack of responsiveness to stimuli.
Another group of cerebral palsy symptoms may appear at around the six month mark which can include a lack of ability to lift the head or to roll over. Feeding can be very difficult at this stage and is another indication of the condition. A child suffering from CP might be unable to crawl or sit and drooling excessively is a common problem due to the low levels of control that the brain has over the throat muscles.
Cerebral palsy symptoms are classified into four main sub-divisions of the condition as follows :-
Athetoid CP this occurs when the areas of the brain which enable smooth, coordinated movement are damaged. The muscles alternate between being stiff and relaxed leading to difficulty in movement and co-ordination.
Spastic CP is most common grouping with over 50% of patients fitting into this bracket of cerebral palsy symptoms. The muscles remain constantly in tension and reflexes occur without control. The result is stiff and jerky movement and difficulty with moving, holding or releasing objects.
Ataxic CP relates to low muscle tone causing issues with balance and a generally shaky posture associated with slow and badly coordinated movements.
Mixed CP this is a combination of one or more the above groupings of cerebral palsy symptoms. Typically patients in this group exhibit a combination of spastic and athetoid movements coupled with a tight muscle tone and jerky reflexes although any combination is possible.
The following is a list of what may be termed as cerebral palsy symptoms however not to much store can be placed on observance of these issues in a child as many children who do not suffer from this condition also exhibit these traits. Diagnosis of CP is not something that is done lightly and even seasoned professionals may take years to come up with a positive diagnosis as there are many other conditions that can mimic CP :-
- staring spells
- abnormal crying
- irritability
- lethargy
- poor muscle tone
- abnormal posture
- body twitching
- abnormal reflexes
- trembling of the arms and legs
- feeding difficulties
- seizures
- changing muscle tone from floppy to very stiff
- eye fluttering
- hand held in tight fist
- asymmetry of movement
Doctors usually provide a high standard of excellence for their patients however there are occasions when things go wrong. We can get you the best representation available anywhere in the country and our lawyers deal with claims on a contingency basis which means they dont get paid unless they succeed. If your child has been diagnosed with this devastating condition and has been injured due to medical malpractice then you and your child may be entitled to substantial compensation. Contact us today for free, no obligation legal advice.
