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You want to be there for every important milestone in your child’s life, but what happens if your child isn’t reaching these milestones? Although only a doctor can diagnose cerebral palsy, it’s essential to be aware of the signs as it may save your child’s life one day.
This blog will dive into what cerebral palsy is and the common signs displayed in babies and toddlers.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that affects the movement, posture, and muscle tone of a child. This is a direct cause of abnormal brain development that usually happens before birth. There are a few factors that can lead to brain development issues like gene mutations, maternal infections, traumatic head injuries, or fetal stroke.
Usually, signs of cerebral palsy are not visible at the child's birth. They are generally noticeable within the first two to three years of their life. Here are some common signs found in babies and toddlers that can help identify the early stages of cerebral palsy:
Babies
- Eating difficulties
- Poor control of reflexes
- Stiff muscle tone
- Unusual movement
- Difficulties reaching milestones with speaking, crawling, sitting up
Toddlers/Children
- Delays in speech development
- Delayed growth
- Slow reflexes
- Poor balance
- Awkward posture
- Loss of awareness
It’s essential not to assume that your baby has cerebral palsy without visiting a doctor. If your child displays one to multiple symptoms, consider seeing your child’s doctor.
Speak With an Attorney
While some cases of cerebral palsy are genetic, others can stem from the negligence of your doctor during the delivery of the baby. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you should consider speaking with a birth injury attorney.
The Lanier Law Group, P.A. team has advocated for hundreds of parents seeking justice on behalf of their injured children, and we’re ready to assist more. Contact our birth injury team today at (855) 757-4204 or visit our Contact Us page to get started on your free consultation.