| Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed before the age of three. Symptoms can vary, depending on whether the child has spastic, athetoid, or ataxic cerebral palsy. However, parents may notice certain symptoms generally indicative of cerebral palsy, such as:
- Abnormal posture
- Irregular muscle tone
- Difficulty feeding
- Slow development
- Fits or seizures
- Atypical behavior
- Communication difficulties
- Possible mental retardation
- Impaired balance
- Overactive reflexes
An infant with cerebral palsy may display an abnormally limp or rigid posture. Some cases of cerebral palsy are characterized by tight, or spastic muscles, while in others the muscles are unusually slack. Certain early reflexes that are present in newborns, but normally disappear within several weeks, remain for much longer in children affected by cerebral palsy. Babies with cerebral palsy may have difficulties sucking, swallowing, and chewing. An afflicted baby may also have problems with choking or gagging. Young children with cerebral palsy are typically slow to reach developmental milestones, such as sitting, crawling, and walking. Their sense of balance may be impaired, and certain children may have fits or seizures. Such children may also demonstrate atypical behavior, either by crying and fussing excessively or by showing very little emotion. Cerebral palsy can also affect a child's ability to communicate effectively. Although many cerebral palsy victims are of normal intelligence, about half suffer from some degree of mental retardation. The earlier a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the more effectively the condition can be addressed. If you believe that your child suffered brain damage due to negligence of an obstetrician or other medical care providers, contact the cerebral palsy lawyers of Litigators Incorporated about legal consultation. |
