What Are the Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy?

Has it been a year and your baby is still struggling to crawl? Does he or she have a difficult time rolling over? Does your baby seem unusually stiff when he or she moves? These are some possible early signs of cerebral palsy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 323 children have cerebral palsy, making it the leading motor disability in children.

Most children are not diagnosed with cerebral palsy until they reach the age of 2; however, parents might notice early indicators before then.

What are Common Cerebral Palsy Symptoms?

If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, he or she may have cerebral palsy:

  • Struggling to crawl
  • Dragging one side of the body when trying to walk or crawl
  • Floppiness, caused by muscles that are too loose
  • Stiffness, caused by muscles that are too stiff
  • Favoring one hand before six months have passed
  • Difficulty rolling over
  • Keeping one hand in a fist while using the other hand functionally
  • Inability to sit without assistance
  • Inability to bring hands together
  • Problems walking

Consult a doctor if your child has any such delays or irregularities in development. Luckily, children with cerebral palsy can often live a happy, fulfilling life; however, it is important to get a diagnosis early so you can prepare for the challenges involved in raising a child with cerebral palsy.

If your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy or any other form of motor disability, then please contact an attorney to see what options are available for you. Unfortunately, hospital errors made before, during or immediately after your child’s birth may have played a role in your child’s disability.

Farrell & Patel – Birth injury attorneys



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *