How Cerebral Palsy Is Diagnosed
Parent Observations Children who have cerebral palsy may display a variety of symptoms that are central to the diagnosis of the condition. Symptoms include motor weakness of the face, arms, hands, legs or trunk, stiff and jerky movements or floppy muscles, speech that is spastic and difficult to understand, problems chewing and swallowing, and cognitive deficits. As a parent or caregiver, noticing these symptoms may be stressful and concerning. To make sure they are addressed appropriately, it may be helpful to jot down specifics about them—timing, activities before/after, and more can be helpful to a healthcare provider during your communication....