If you have children and are worried they may have cerebral palsy, there are some signs you can look for. Reports state that about 500,000 children under the age of 18 have cerebral palsy. It’s a neurological problem that affects movement and muscle coordination.
It can lead to problems walking, talking, and eating. This article will discuss the symptoms of cerebral palsy and how to get help if you think your child may have it.
Uneven muscles
Muscles are the main tissues in the body that allow movement. If a child has cerebral palsy, their muscles will be weaker on one side of the body or in areas, such as the hands or feet. It can lead to the extremities feeling soft or stiff.
Muscle weakness can range from mild to severe. In some cases, it can only be noticed when your child is tired. For example, you might notice it when they are trying to walk up a hill 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 straight or holding their head up. When they walk, their steps may be unsteady or jerky.
If you notice uneven muscle tone in your baby, you need to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your child has cerebral palsy or another condition.
Poor balance and coordination
Have you noticed 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 CP.
CP is caused by damage to the brain’s motor control centers during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the first few years of life. This damage can cause problems with muscle tone, movement, and coordination.
Involuntary movements or contractions
When a child has cerebral palsy, their muscles may contract unintentionally. It can cause spasms or jerky movements. Spasticity is the most common type of involuntary movement in children with cerebral palsy. It occurs when the muscles are too tight and difficult to relax.
Dystonia is another type of involuntary movement. It usually affects the muscles in the hands, arms, or legs. The muscles may twist involuntarily or perform repetitive movements.
Ataxia affects the way the body moves and coordinates the muscles. Children with ataxia appear clumsy or unsteady on their feet.
Slow motion
Toddlers and young children with cerebral palsy often take longer to start walking than their peers. They can also crawl on their toes or buttocks instead of on their hands and knees. As children get older, they may continue to have difficulty with fine motor skills such as writing and buttoning a shirt.
If you are concerned about your child’s movements, talk to a therapist right away.
Slow development of motor skills
- Motor development skills include:
- raised his head
- sitting up
- crawl and walk.
If a child fails to meet these milestones, it could be one of the symptoms of cerebral palsy. However, it is important to remember that every child develops differently. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.
Difficulty crawling or walking.
Newborns begin to crawl between seven and ten months of age. If your baby doesn’t hit this milestone, talk to your doctor. Also, if your child is walking but their gait is not normal, that is another potential sign of CP.
Abnormal posture, such as arched back or twisted neck
The posture of a child with cerebral palsy may be abnormal. It may include a curved back or a crooked neck. The child may also hold the head at an unusual angle.
Some children with cerebral palsy walk on their toes. Some children may use a walker or other device to help them move. Others may have a “scissor” gait, in which the legs cross each other when walking.
If your child has any of the symptoms mentioned above, talk to your doctor. They may refer you to a CP specialist for a comprehensive examination.
Trembling, especially in the hands
Vibrations are not always easy to detect. It occurs mainly due to damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for muscle coordination. If you notice your child’s hands are shaking or shaking, it could be a sign of cerebral palsy.
If your child has cerebral palsy, they may have problems with:
- Eat by yourself
- Brush one’s teeth
- Make up the buttons
Speech problems
Finally, another common symptom of cerebral palsy is difficulty speaking. It can manifest as stuttering or problems with volume or pitch controls. If your child has trouble communicating, it could be a sign of cerebral palsy.
Conclusion
If a child has any risk factors for cerebral palsy, or if they have any symptoms of the condition, it is essential to talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment and prognosis.
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Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
