If you have a child and you are concerned that they may have cerebral palsy, there are some signs to look out for. Reports indicate that approximately 500,000 children under the age of 18 have cerebral palsy. It is a neurological problem that affects movement and muscle coordination.
This can result in problems walking, talking, and eating. This article looks at the symptoms of cerebral palsy and how to get help if you think your child has it.
uneven muscle tone
Muscles are the primary tissues of the body that allow movement. If a child has cerebral palsy, her muscles will be weaker on one side of the body or in areas such as the hands or feet. This can result in limbs that feel limp or stiff.
The level of muscle weakness can range from mild to severe. In some cases, this can only manifest when your child is tired. For example, you may notice this when they try to walk uphill and their steps become shorter on one side.
Cerebral palsy can also cause problems with a child’s posture and balance. They may have trouble sitting up or keeping their head up. When they walk, their steps may be unsteady or jerky.
If you notice uneven muscle tone in your child, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your child has cerebral palsy or another condition.
Poor balance and coordination
Do you notice that your child falls more often than other children of the same age? Do they seem uncoordinated or clumsy? It could be a sign of PC.
CP is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the first years of life. This damage can cause problems with muscle tone, movement, and coordination.
involuntary movements or spasms
When a child has cerebral palsy, their muscles may contract involuntarily. It can cause spasms or jerky movements. Spasticity is the most common type of involuntary movement in children with cerebral palsy. This happens when the muscles are too tense and have a hard time relaxing.
Dystonia is another type of involuntary movement. It usually affects the muscles of the hands, arms or legs. Muscles may twist or repeat movements without meaning to.
Ataxia affects the way the body moves and coordinates its muscles. Children with ataxia may appear clumsy or unsteady when walking.
Slow motion
Toddlers and young children with cerebral palsy often take longer to walk than their peers. They may also crawl on their toes or bottom instead of their hands and knees. As children get older, they may continue to have trouble with fine motor skills, such as writing and buttoning their shirts.
If you have concerns about your child’s movement, talk to the therapist right away.
Delayed development of motor skills.
- Motor development skills include:
- raising the head
- sedentary
- crawl and walk.
If a child doesn’t meet these milestones, it could be one of the symptoms of cerebral palsy. However, it is important to remember that each child develops differently. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk to your pediatrician.
Difficulty crawling or walking.
Babies begin to crawl at the age of seven to ten months. If your baby doesn’t reach this milestone, talk to your doctor. Also, if your child walks, but his gait is abnormal, this is another possible sign of cerebral palsy.
Abnormal posture, such as an arched back or a crooked neck
The posture of a child with cerebral palsy may be abnormal. It can include a curved back or a crooked neck. The child may also hold their head at an unusual angle.
Some children with cerebral palsy walk on their toes. Some children can use a walker or other device to help them get around. Others may have a “scissor” gait, where their legs cross over each other as they walk.
If your child has any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor. They can refer you to a PC specialist for a full test.
Trembling, especially in the hands.
Earthquakes are not always easy to detect. This happens mainly due to damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for muscle coordination. If you notice your child’s hands shaking or shaking, this could mean cerebral palsy.
If your child has cerebral palsy, they may have problems with:
- feeding
- Brushing teeth
- button closure
speech problems
Finally, another common symptom of cerebral palsy is difficulty speaking. It can manifest as slurred speech or trouble controlling volume or pitch. If your child has trouble communicating, it could mean cerebral palsy.
Conclusion
If a child has any of the risk factors for cerebral palsy or is exhibiting any symptoms of the condition, it is essential that they speak with a doctor. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment and prognosis.
Categories: How to
Source: HIS Education