What are the signs of cerebral palsy?

What are the signs of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently, and symptoms range from mild to severe. Some people with CP have mild weakness in one arm or leg. Other people with CP have severe disabilities that make it difficult to talk, walk or perform daily tasks.

Signs of cerebral palsy can appear at birth or within the first years of life. Symptoms vary depending on the type of CP. They include:

• Developmental delays: Babies with CP often have delays in meeting developmental milestones such as sitting up, rolling over, crawling or walking. Children with CP may have a speech delay or learning disability.
• Low muscle tone: Some babies with CP have low muscle tone (hypotonia). They feel floppy, weak or limp and have poor posture. Infants with hypotonia might not be able to control their heads. Their limbs may be very flexible.
• Increased muscle tone: Some types of CP cause increased muscle tone (hypertonia). Babies with CP may seem as if they’re always arching their backs or stretching their arms. Their legs may stiffen and move like scissors, and their muscles may contract uncontrollably.
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing: Problems with muscle tone and muscle control can make it challenging for people with CP to talk. They may have trouble eating or drinking due to problems with chewing, swallowing and controlling the mouth, tongue and throat muscles.
• Preference for one side of the body: Babies with hemiplegic CP may crawl using only one leg and one arm. They may reach for objects with only one hand. Older children may limp when they walk.