Cerebral Palsy Symptoms in Infants

Cerebral palsy is a condition where there is abnormality in the functioning of muscles and the motor tone of muscles in the body due to lesions in the brain's cortex. There are various degrees of severity of cerebral palsy symptoms in infants which will depend on the extent of brain damage that is present. At times, only a health care professional can diagnose the case whereas, at other times, the symptoms can be glaringly visible to the parents and other people around. Given below are details regarding the various cerebral palsy symptoms in children and toddlers.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Children

• One of the most common cerebral palsy signs in infants is delayed milestones. Right from the time that a baby reaches around six or seven months of age, its movement will be slow and lethargic. Developmental milestones, like rolling over, crawling on all fours and walking are reached much later than normal. This is in fact, what more often than not, causes concern for the parent.
• The muscle tone of the child is unusual and at times, the child may have very stiff and unyielding muscles whereas at other times, the muscles may be unnaturally relaxed and may seem to be floppy, especially when it comes to the limbs.
• Due to the abnormal muscle tone, movements of muscles and limbs are usually jerky or abrupt and unpredictable. This can be seen when the infant tries to play with a toy and suddenly throws it or does not manage to hold it properly. This is the reason why special toys for children with cerebral palsy are made.
• The muscle tone problems also lead to other symptoms, like asymmetric movement of two sides of the body. The child may also suddenly hold his hands tight in a fist and refuse to open them.
• Some infants may even suffer from seizures. Seizures are seen in every one in three people suffering from cerebral palsy. These may appear in infancy itself or may be seen when the person grows up. At times, due to the abnormal muscle tone, the movement of the child is unpredictable and so, minor seizures may be masked.
• One of the common symptoms is constant drooling. The act of swallowing is a complex one and requires the combined efforts of the tongue and muscles of the throat. However, infants with cerebral palsy are unable to control the movement and actions of these muscles due to which, not only do they have problems with swallowing their own saliva, they even have problems with sucking and eating. The infant may push his tongue out forcibly, which could prevent it from feeding properly. There are many effects of this, including malnutrition, due to lack of intake of milk and food. Also, there is a risk of the aspiration, that is, entering of fluid into the lungs from the mouth, which can lead to an infection.
• Other symptoms include a very high pitched voice cry, trembling of arms, lethargy, very slow reflexes, irritability and constant crying of the baby, poor feeding habits, abnormal posture due to stiff or very relaxed muscles, etc.

The fact is that although the above given cerebral palsy symptoms in infants and children may or may not be seen, all at the same time, they do help when it comes to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. However, there are many other conditions that also lead to similar symptoms, like motor disability diseases, encephalopathies, and at times, the child may simply be a slow learner. Thus, besides looking out for the above given cerebral palsy symptoms, the neurologist will need to do tests and observe the child for an extended period of time before making a diagnosis regarding his condition. There are many activities for child with cerebral palsy that can help in keeping him occupied. One shouldn't lose hope nor get dissuaded if their child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, because teaching children with cerebral palsy how to lead a normal life should be your aim, for this will be a child that will only ask for unconditional love and patience from your side.