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Cerebral palsy refers to a group of movement disorders caused by abnormal brain development. The cause is unknown, but certain risk factors, such as premature birth, low birth weight, and reduced oxygen supply, are linked to cerebral palsy. An early diagnosis can make treatment and management of this condition more successful.
If you’d like a trusted neurologist to assess cerebral palsy symptoms in the Bay Area, use our search tool and Find a Doctor at Dignity Health. Our experts offer personalized care for all our cerebral palsy patients, whether babies or adults.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy depend on the specific type of disorder and range from mild to severe. Generally, they are first seen in children by age three.
Symptoms of the three basic types of cerebral palsy are as follows:
Other symptoms include:
A Dignity Health family doctor or pediatrician can detect signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy during routine well-child visits. If your child has difficulty with motor coordination at certain developmental milestones, your doctor can perform a physical exam that tests reflexes and muscle tone.
Our doctors may use these tests to determine or rule out causes for movement disorders:
With guidance and support from your Dignity health doctor, you can learn how to improve the quality of life for someone with cerebral palsy.
Dignity Health hospitals offer testing and diagnosis of cerebral palsy symptoms in the Bay Area.