Cerebral Palsy (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

If your child was born prematurely, had a low birth weight, or was subject to certain complications of pregnancy, labor, or delivery, he or she will be monitored carefully over time for signs of CP. Any of the following warrant a visit to your child’s health care provider:

• Your child has a seizure.
• Your child’s movements seem unusually jerky, abrupt, uncoordinated, or slow and writhing.
• Your child’s muscles seem unusually tense or, on the other hand, limp and “floppy.”
• Your child does not blink in response to loud noises by age 1 month.
• Your child does not turn his or her head toward a sound by age 4 months.
• Your child does not reach out for a toy by age 4 months.
• Your child does not sit up unsupported by age 7 months.
• Your child does not say words by age 12 months.
• Your child develops left- or right-handedness before age 12 months.
• Your child has strabismus (one eye turned inward or outward).
• Your child does not walk or walks with a stiff or abnormal gait, such as toe-walking.

These are only some of the most obvious examples of problems that may signal CP. You should speak to your child’s health care provider about any problems that suggest a lack of control or muscles or movements.

Next: Exams and Tests »