If you have a child and you are concerned that they may have cerebral palsy, there are some signs to look for. Reports indicate that approximately 500,000 children under the age of 18 have cerebral palsy. It is a neurological problem that affects movement and muscle coordination.
It can result in 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 muscle tone
Muscles are the primary tissues of the body that allow movement. If a child has cerebral palsy, her muscles will be weaker on one side of the body or in areas such as the hands or feet. It can result in limbs that feel limp or stiff.
The level of muscle weakness can range from mild to severe. In some cases, it may only be noticeable when your child is tired. For example, you may 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 or keeping their head up. When they walk, their steps may be unsteady or jerky.
If you notice uneven muscle tone in your child, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your child has cerebral palsy or another condition.
Poor balance and coordination
Do you notice 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 PC.
CP is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the first years of life. This damage can cause problems with muscle tone, movement, and coordination.
involuntary movements or spasms
When a child has cerebral palsy, their muscles may contract involuntarily. It can cause spasms or jerky movements. Spasticity is the most common type of involuntary movement in children with cerebral palsy. It occurs when muscles are too tight and have trouble relaxing.
Dystonia is another type of involuntary movement. It usually affects the muscles of the hands, arms, or legs. Muscles may involuntarily twist or make repetitive movements.
Ataxia affects the way the body moves and coordinates its muscles. Children with ataxia may appear clumsy or unsteady when walking.
Slow movement
Toddlers and young children with cerebral palsy often take longer to start walking than their peers. They may also crawl on their toes or bottom instead of their hands and knees. As children get older, they may continue to have trouble with fine motor skills, such as writing and buttoning their shirts.
If you’re concerned about your child’s movement, talk to a therapist right away.
Development of delayed motor skills
- Motor development skills include:
- raising the head
- sitting
- crawl and walk.
If a child does not meet these milestones, it could be one of the symptoms of cerebral palsy. However, it is vital to remember that each child develops differently. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your pediatrician.
Difficulty crawling or walking.
Babies begin to crawl at the age of seven to ten months. If your baby is not reaching this milestone, talk to your doctor. Also, if your child is walking but his gait is abnormal, that is another potential sign of cerebral palsy.
Abnormal posture, such as a rounded back or crooked neck
The posture of a child with cerebral palsy may be abnormal. It can include a curved back or a crooked neck. The child may also hold their head at an unusual angle.
Some children with cerebral palsy walk on their toes. Some children can use a walker or other device to help them get around. Others may have a “scissor” gait, where their legs cross each other when they walk.
If your child has any of the symptoms listed above, talk to your doctor. They can refer you to a PC specialist for a complete test.
Tremors, especially in the hands
Tremors 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 shaking or shaking, it could mean cerebral palsy.
If your child has cerebral palsy, they may have problems with:
- feeding
- brushing teeth
- fastening buttons
speech problems
Finally, another common symptom of cerebral palsy is difficulty speaking. It can manifest as slurred speech or problems with volume or tone control. If your child has trouble communicating, it could mean cerebral palsy.
Conclusion
If a child has any of the risk factors for cerebral palsy, or is showing any symptoms of the condition, it’s essential that they talk to a doctor. An early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment and prognosis.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn