How to Spot the Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Babies

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an extraordinary experience filled with joy and anticipation. However, it also brings a new set of responsibilities, particularly when it comes to monitoring your baby’s health and development.

One of the conditions that parents should be aware of is cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that can affect a child’s movement, balance and posture. Its impact on a child’s life varies widely depending on the severity and type of the disorder. The condition can lead to lifelong challenges, but with early detection and intervention, you can ensure that your child gets the treatment they need.

In this guide, we aim to provide you with the tools you need to identify early signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy. By understanding what to look for and when to seek medical advice, you can play a crucial role in supporting your child’s development and wellbeing.

Understanding cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood. The condition is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects the child’s ability to control their muscles.

Various factors can contribute to this damage, such as:

• A lack of oxygen or blood supply to the baby’s brain during birth
• Infections during pregnancy
• Newborn infections like meningitis, or respiratory infections, that go untreated 
• Improper management of newborn jaundice
• Severe head injuries in infancy
• Untreated hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) in newborns

Certain babies are more at risk, including those born prematurely (especially before 32 weeks), those with low birth weight, and multiples like twins or triplets.

The early signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the early months of life, although diagnosis may be delayed until age two or later. Here are some early signs that may indicate your child has cerebral palsy:

• Muscle tone: You may notice that your baby feels either stiff or floppy when you pick them up. They may also have difficulty controlling their head movements.
• Motor development milestones: Babies with cerebral palsy may experience delays in reaching motor skill milestones. For example, they may not be able to roll over, sit, crawl or walk as early as other children.
• Favouring one side of the body: Your baby may use one hand more than the other or drag one side of their body while crawling.
• Difficulty feeding: Babies with cerebral palsy may have difficulty sucking, swallowing and eating. They may also experience excessive drooling.
• Poor coordination and balance: You may notice that your baby has poor coordination and balance. They may have difficulty grasping objects or bringing their hands together.
• Involuntary movements: Babies with cerebral palsy may exhibit involuntary movements, such as twitching, jerking, or writhing.

Over time, the following symptoms may also develop:

• Learning difficulties: Many babies diagnosed with cerebral palsy face difficulties in learning during their lives. This can become apparent through delayed progress in speech, or a noticeable struggle with grasping simple instructions.
• Speech difficulties: As your child gets older, you may see difficulties in their ability to speak or construct sentences, which could be indicative of cerebral palsy affecting their oral motor skills.
• Seizures: The occurrence of seizures or convulsions can be a red flag pointing towards potential neurological complications. It’s imperative to seek immediate medical assistance if your baby has a seizure.
• Gastrointestinal distress: Conditions like reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are prevalent among infants with cerebral palsy, leading to frequent bouts of vomiting and general discomfort.

It’s also important to note that the specific type of cerebral palsy your baby has will affect how their symptoms manifest:

• Spastic cerebral palsy: This is the most common type of cerebral palsy and is characterised by stiff muscles and awkward movements.
• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: This type of cerebral palsy is characterised by fluctuating muscle tone and involuntary movements.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy: This type affects balance and coordination.
• Mixed cerebral palsy: Some individuals have symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy.

Seeking medical advice

When you observe any signs or symptoms of cerebral palsy in your baby, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly enhance the quality of life for a child with cerebral palsy, providing them with the support they need to thrive.

If your GP has concerns, they may refer your child to a specialist, who will conduct a thorough evaluation of your child’s physical and neurological health. This may involve a series of tests and assessments to understand the extent of the condition and to formulate an appropriate treatment plan, which might include the following:

• Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in managing cerebral palsy, focusing on improving the child’s mobility, strength, and coordination. Through tailored exercises and activities, physiotherapists work to enhance muscle function, reduce stiffness, and increase overall flexibility.
• Occupational therapy aims to assist children in developing the skills required for daily living. Therapists work on fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and self-care activities, ensuring that the child can navigate their environment more effectively.
• Speech and language therapy is vital for children who face difficulties in communication and swallowing. Speech therapists help in developing speech, language, and communication skills, while also addressing any difficulties related to eating and drinking.
• Medication may be prescribed in some cases to manage specific symptoms of cerebral palsy, such as muscle stiffness, spasms, or seizures. These medications aim to alleviate discomfort and improve the child’s overall functionality.
• Surgery might be considered for severe cases, to address issues related to muscle tightness, joint problems or other complications. Surgery is usually seen as a last resort when other treatments have not yielded sufficient results.
• Assistive devices and technologies can aid children with cerebral palsy in their daily activities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. These might include mobility aids, communication devices, and adaptive equipment for eating and writing.

Seeking medical advice at the earliest sign of cerebral palsy is paramount, as this will make sure your child gets the treatment that will support them best.

When to seek legal advice

Discovering that your child may have cerebral palsy is a challenging and emotional time for any parent. In some instances, the condition results from complications during childbirth, and in certain cases, these complications are due to medical negligence.

Medical negligence refers to substandard care provided by medical professionals, which directly results in harm or injury to the patient. In the context of cerebral palsy, this could involve:

• Improper use of birth-assisting tools: Incorrect or excessive use of forceps or ventouse can lead to brain injuries in newborns, resulting in cerebral palsy.
• Delayed C-sections: A timely decision to proceed with a caesarean section is crucial in preventing oxygen deprivation, which can cause cerebral palsy.
• Inadequate monitoring: Failure to properly monitor the baby’s heartbeat and oxygen levels during childbirth can lead to delayed responses in emergency situations, and potentially lead to the baby developing cerebral palsy.

If you suspect that your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A solicitor specialising in medical negligence can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and assist in building a strong case. Compensation from a successful claim can provide vital financial support by covering your child’s ongoing medical care and the costs of any specialised equipment, home adaptations and educational support they might need.

Navigating the challenges of cerebral palsy can be difficult, but early intervention and the right support can make a significant difference. Remember, you are not alone. There are professionals, support groups and resources available to assist you and your child through this journey.