Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary significantly depending on the type and severity of brain injury. While some children have mild motor issues, others may experience profound movement difficulties and multiple associated conditions. The first signs of cerebral palsy often become evident in infancy or early childhood as delays in physical or motor development.
1. Motor Symptoms
The core symptoms involve problems with movement and muscle tone. These may include:
- Stiff or floppy muscles (hypertonia or hypotonia)
- Poor coordination and balance
- Involuntary movements, particularly in dyskinetic types
- Delayed milestones, such as sitting, crawling, or walking
- Abnormal gait, such as walking on toes or scissoring of the legs
Some children may appear to use one side of the body more than the other, an early sign of hemiplegia.
2. Posture and Reflexes
Babies with cerebral palsy may display:
- Persistent primitive reflexes, like the Moro (startle) reflex
- Poor head control
- Difficulty rolling over or sitting unaided
- Unusual posture or favouring one side
3. Feeding and Speech Difficulties | Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Because cerebral palsy can affect the muscles used in speaking and swallowing, symptoms may include:
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty sucking, chewing, or swallowing
- Delayed speech development
- Slurred or unclear speech (dysarthria)
4. Cognitive and Behavioural Issues
Not all children with cerebral palsy have intellectual impairments, but some may show:
- Learning difficulties
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Behavioural challenges
5. Vision and Hearing Problems
Children may have strabismus (crossed eyes), poor depth perception, or hearing loss, which further affect development and learning.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Because symptoms can appear gradually, early screening and observation are crucial. Noticing and acting on developmental concerns ensures faster referral to specialists and a better chance at maximising the child’s abilities.
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