Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in the Newborn and Toddler

How Parents Can First Identify Complications

Cerebral palsy is a complex health complication, considered to be the most prevalent form of physical disability, of children, in the United States. With nearly 8,000 children born each year with some form of cerebral palsy, the health complications for children with CP are quite varied. 

As a neurological complication that arises out of a brain injury, most children acquire cerebral palsy during a complication of pregnancy, labor or delivery. In other children, the complication may occur during the first few weeks and months of life.

If you infant is born prematurely, has a birth weight of less than six pounds, does not develop normally in utero, or experiences cranial damage during pregnancy, labor or delivery, there is a risk for developing cerebral palsy. In addition to these physical complications, after birth, some children develop cerebral palsy when exposed to bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis or when exposed to trauma such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident.

How, as a parent, will you know if your child is experiencing a complication of cerebral palsy? During your child's first few months of life, as growth and development are significantly occurring, you may first notice the signs of cerebral palsy development. Unfortunately, many parents are not fully aware the complication even exists. Complications of early cerebral palsy include abnormal muscle tone and slowed motor development. You may also notice your infant's reflexes are not normal when compared to that of other children the same age.

Beyond the first few months of life, a child who is experiencing cerebral palsy complications may also experience complications involving vision and hearing, develop a seizure disorders or even have trouble perceiving pain factors.

The most notable complication you will see, in an infant with cerebral palsy, is the development of spastic reflexes. Deep tendon complications, abnormal toe-walking gait and even tremors may begin to develop.