Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is the term used to describe a group of permanent movement problems that do not get worse over time.

Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Infants:

• Low muscle tone (baby feels 'floppy' when picked up)
• Unable to hold up its own head while lying on stomach or in a supported sitting position
• Muscle spasms or feeling stiff
• Poor muscle control, reflexes and posture
• Delayed development (can't sit up or independently roll over by 6 months)
• Feeding or swallowing difficulties
• Preference to use one side of their body

Toddlers/Children

Although the brain of toddlers/children with cerebral palsy remains injured, the injury does not get worse as they develop.

Depending on the level of severity of their cerebral palsy, toddlers and children may experience difficulties with their physical development such as:

• Not walking by 12-18 months
• Not speaking simple sentences by 24 months

If your child is not reaching these milestones or they display some of the signs of cerebral palsy, you may need to speak to your early childhood nurse, general practitioner or pediatrician.

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