Cerebral palsy (CP) is diagnosed in most children when they are between 6 months and 2 years of age, though some cases may be diagnosed earlier or later. The timing depends on several factors, including the type and severity of CP and how quickly developmental delays become apparent.
Many parents notice subtle signs that something may be different about their baby’s movements or development, leading to questions and concerns about potential CP. Knowing when cerebral palsy is diagnosed most often can help them take action.
If you believe your child may be having a neurological issue, take your child to see a doctor immediately. If you get a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and you believe it was caused by medical malpractice, we can connect you to a cerebral palsy lawyer who can help.
When Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed? Early Signs and Symptoms
While every child develops differently, some early indicators of CP may include:
- Baby feels unusually stiff or floppy when you hold them
- Delayed motor development, such as not rolling over, sitting up, or crawling at typical ages
- Favoring one side of the body or showing unusual movement patterns that persist beyond early infancy
These signs don’t necessarily mean your child has cerebral palsy, but they do warrant a discussion with your pediatrician. Early detection and intervention of cerebral palsy or another type of birth injury can significantly improve your child’s development and treatment outcomes.
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How Medical Professionals Diagnose Cerebral Palsy
The diagnostic process typically involves multiple steps and specialists working together. Your medical team will likely:
- Perform neurological examinations to evaluate your child’s reflexes, muscle tone, and movement patterns
- Order imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to diagnose cerebral palsy by discovering its causes
- Conduct regular developmental screenings during well-child visits to track your child’s progress
If your child is diagnosed with CP, you will need to work with specialists such as pediatric neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and physical therapists to build a comprehensive care plan. You may also need to work with a cerebral palsy birth injury lawyer to see if your child’s condition could have been prevented.
Factors that Affect Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis Timing
Several circumstances can influence when cerebral palsy is diagnosed:
- The severity of symptoms often impacts timing–more severe cases may be identified earlier due to more obvious signs.
- Your child’s specific type of cerebral palsy can affect when symptoms become noticeable. Some forms present clear signs earlier than others.
- Access to medical specialists and diagnostic resources in your area may influence how quickly you can receive a definitive diagnosis.
If you’re concerned about delays in the diagnosis or treatment of your child’s cerebral palsy, our legal team can help determine whether medical negligence played a role in your child’s care.
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Understanding Your Legal Options
If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy resulted from medical malpractice, it’s important to understand your rights. Medical professionals have a duty to provide appropriate care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Some common examples of medical negligence that can lead to CP include:
- Delayed response to fetal distress
- Improper use of delivery tools
- Failure to perform a timely C-section when needed
Your child’s medical records may contain crucial evidence of these or other forms of negligence. Our experienced birth injury attorneys can review these records with medical experts to determine if proper protocols were followed during your pregnancy and delivery.
If medical negligence contributed to your child’s cerebral palsy, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, therapy, and other related costs.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Common Questions About CP Diagnosis
Parents often have many questions when facing the possibility of a cerebral palsy diagnosis. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Diagnosed at Birth?
While some risk factors may be identified immediately after birth, such as low APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) scores or seizures, a definitive CP diagnosis typically requires observation of the child’s development over time. Doctors need to see how your child moves and develops before confirming a diagnosis.
Do All Children With Cerebral Palsy Show the Same Signs?
No, cerebral palsy affects each child differently. Some children may have primarily motor difficulties, while others might experience additional speech, hearing, or vision challenges. The type and severity of symptoms vary significantly from one child to another.
Will My Child Need Multiple Evaluations?
Yes, diagnosing cerebral palsy typically requires several evaluations over time. Your medical team will monitor your child’s progress and may need to perform various tests at different developmental stages to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment approach.
Get Help for Your Family Today
Now that you know when cerebral palsy is diagnosed, here’s how we can help you get compensation if your child has it. We can investigate your child’s case, determine if medical negligence played a role in your child’s cerebral palsy, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Contact Birth Injury Lawyers Group today for a free consultation about your child’s case. Let us help you secure the resources needed for your child’s care and future.
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