Currently, the diagnosis of cerebral palsy is determined from the results of neurological examinations, physical assessments, neuroimaging, and electroencephalography. In addition, psychological tests, vision, and hearing assessments are done to determine if specific treatments in those areas are needed.
As the child grows, symptoms may change, and new ones develop. It is important to reevaluate the specifics of a cerebral palsy diagnosis at various intervals. Here are some examples:
The CDC recommends continuous monitoring and screening of children to ascertain changes that can be occurring. Here are the steps they recommend:
• Developmental Monitoring (tracking growth and development)
• Developmental Screening (use of developmental screening tests)
• Development and medical evaluations
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/diagnosis.html
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends developmental and behavioral screening for all children during regular well-child visits at these ages:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/MotorDelay/Pages/default.aspx
Comorbidities associated with cerebral palsy
Links to Other Websites
“Learn the Signs. Act Early.”
This CDC program offers free milestone checklists to help parents and professionals track children’s milestones, support development, share concerns, and take action to support developmental delays. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive!
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive! is a coordinated federal effort to encourage healthy child development, universal developmental and behavioral screening for children, and support for the families and providers who care for them. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/archive/ecd/child-health-development/watch-me-thrive
Bright Futures
Bright Futures materials for families are available on a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional health issues in children from before birth through 21 years of age. https://www.aap.org/en/practice-management/bright-futures
Instant Feedback:
Cerebral palsy can be diagnosed with a simple test in the physician's office.
References
Lipkin, P.H. & Macias, M.M. (2020). Council on Children with Disabilities, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Promoting optimal development: Identifying infants and young children with developmental disorders through developmental surveillance and screening. Pediatrics, 145(1), e20193449.
Paul, S., Nahar, A., Bhagawati, M, & Kunwar, A.J. (2022). A Review on Recent Advances of Cerebral Palsy. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022:2622310.
Novak, I., Morgan, C., Adde, L., Blackman, J., Boyd, R.N., Brunstrom-Hernandez, J. et al., (2017). Early, Accurate Diagnosis and Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment. JAMA Pediatr. 171(9), 897–907.
Romeo, D.M., Guzzetta, A., Scoto, M., Cioni, M., Patusi, P., Mazzone, D. et al. (2008). Early neurologic assessment in preterm infants: integration of traditional neurologic examination and observation of general movements. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 12, 183–9.
Romeo, D.M., Cioni, M., Palermo, F., Cilauro, S. & Romeo, M.G. (2013). Neurological assessment in infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 17, 192–8.