Screening/Detecting Cerebral Palsy

Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by testing an infant’s motor skills and looking at the medical history of the mother and child. In addition to checking for the symptoms previously discussed, a physician should also test the infant’s reflexes and look for early development of hand preference. During the first year of life, babies generally do not show hand preference. Infants with cerebral palsy develop a preference much earlier, since the hand on the unaffected side of their body is stronger and more useful.

The next step in diagnosing CP is to rule out other disorders that can cause movement problems. Doctors must determine that the child’s condition is not getting worse. If a child is continuously losing additional motor skills, the problem more likely is something else such as genetic diseases, disorders of metabolism or tumors in the nervous system.

Additionally, the doctor may order a CT scan or an MRI. A CT scan may reveal brain areas that are underdeveloped, abnormal cysts in the brain, or other physical problems. An MRI gives better pictures of structures of abnormal areas located near bone than a CT scan.

A doctor must carefully screen an infant for cerebral palsy at a young age if any potential symptoms and developmental delays arise. During a CP screening, a doctor will typically test a child’s reflexes, muscle tone, strength, coordination, sense of sight, sense of touch and balance. The doctor may also screen for vision problems, hearing issues, speech disorders or mental retardation. Should the screening discover any issues that could indicate cerebral palsy, your doctor may perform additional tests.

Three common tests associated with CP screening include:

Revised-Denver Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire (R-DPQD)–a form that the child’s parents fill out, assessing the child’s developmental advances.

Early Motor Pattern Profile (EMPP)–a test for children under 12 months to test reflexes, muscle tone and motor skill Motor milestone testing–tests performed several times during the first two years of a child’s life, to determine whether the child has motor skills that are age appropriate.

While science is doing its part to ensure a health future for children with CP, you know and understand the needs of your child like no one else. You also need to know that your medical team did everything possible to keep your baby safe and healthy. If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, you may be entitled to financial help. Birth injury lawyer Dr. Bruce G. Fagel offers a free consultation to discuss your case. Call (800) 541-9376 today.