Cerebral Palsy in Newborns

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Cerebral palsy in newborns causes delayed development, abnormal muscle tone, stiff legs, and other symptoms. Cerebral palsy can be difficult to detect in newborns if it is not severe. Although physicians can sometimes diagnose the disorder shortly after birth, other times, it’s diagnosed after parents feel something isn’t right.

Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy

According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the following signs before six months of age could indicate that an infant has cerebral palsy:[1]

• The baby feels stiff or floppy
• The baby cannot hold their head up independently
• The baby’s legs may cross or get stiff when being picked up
• Overextended back and neck
• Poor muscle tone

You need a physician to make a medical diagnosis to determine if your baby has cerebral palsy. If you notice the symptoms above, schedule an appointment with your infant’s pediatrician.

Some infants will display symptoms of cerebral palsy but will not have the disorder. Cerebral palsy symptoms mimic other health issues, such as neurological diseases and spinal cord injuries.

It’s important to let your doctor test and diagnose your baby, not only to determine if your baby has cerebral palsy but also to rule out other medical problems.

Secondary Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Newborns

In addition to the primary, or direct, symptoms of cerebral palsy, newborns may show other signs. Secondary symptoms result from the motor impairment caused by cerebral palsy:

• Constipation
• Incontinence
• Airway obstructions
• Sleep difficulties
• Stunted growth
• Oral health issues
• Gastroesophageal reflux

Testing Used to Diagnose Cerebral Palsy in Newborns

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests infants get developmental screenings at nine months.[2] Still, as a parent, if you suspect something is wrong with your newborn, you can request health screenings at any age.

MRI and CT Scan

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a computed tomography (CT) scan are the most common tests used to detect brain damage. These tests are usually undertaken once other evaluations, such as a developmental evaluation, are complete.

An MRI uses radio wave energy and a magnetic field to take images of the baby’s brain. The images allow doctors to determine if the infant has brain abnormalities or lesions. A CT scan takes X-rays of the infant’s brain so that doctors can study its structure for abnormalities.

Developmental Evaluation

A developmental evaluation is also used to diagnose cerebral palsy.[3] A team of healthcare professionals who specialize in child development, neurology, and pediatric rehabilitation perform a developmental evaluation.

The physicians conduct testing on the baby to evaluate and diagnose developmental delays. They generally test reflexes, evaluate muscle and motor skills, and observe posture.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy in Newborns?

Many babies are born with cerebral palsy; this is known as congenital CP. The most common reasons for congenital CP include:

Lack of Oxygen

Babies in distress during labor and delivery might suffer oxygen loss. It can also happen if the mother has very low blood pressure, placenta issues, or a torn uterus.[4]

Fetal Stroke or Brain Bleeding

When brain blood vessels are broken, misformed, or blocked, the baby can have a stroke while still in utero. Fetal stroke can lead to brain bleeding, which can lead to cerebral palsy. Heart defects can also cause brain bleeding.

White Matter Brain Damage

During weeks 26 through 34 of pregnancy, an infant’s white matter in the brain is the most sensitive and susceptible to damage. However, white brain matter damage can happen anytime during pregnancy and disrupt the brain’s signals to the body that controls movement.

Causes include loss of oxygen and reduced blood, known medically as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Infections can also damage the infant’s white brain matter, as well as fetal stroke and head injuries, while in utero.[5]

Abnormalities in Brain Development

Sometimes, the growth process of the brain is stalled, forming abnormalities that can lead to cerebral palsy. Fetal trauma and infections cause the abnormalities, although gene changes, known as mutations, can also affect the brain’s development.

Other times, infants develop cerebral palsy shortly after birth. This is known as acquired cerebral palsy. Common causes include:

• Meningitis or encephalitis
• Head injuries
• Sickle cell disease
• Heart defects
• Blood flow problems
• Medical negligence while the infant is in a neonatal intensive care unit

What Are the Risk Factors for Newborn Cerebral Palsy?

It’s not always possible to determine a cause for cerebral palsy in a newborn. There are, however, several known risk factors. These do not guarantee a baby will have cerebral palsy, but they increase the risk:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Multiples (twins, triplets)
• Maternal infections during pregnancy
• Fertility treatments
• Birth complications

Treatment and Prognosis for Newborn Cerebral Palsy

With today’s medical advancements, most babies with cerebral palsy have a positive outlook. Many babies with cerebral palsy grow up to live productive, fulfilling lives.

You should work closely with your baby’s pediatrician and a care team to help your baby handle the disorder better via therapy, communication practice, nutrition guidance, and regular medical appointments.

For additional help, consider developing a Life Care Plan, which lists the needs that the baby will have while growing up and through adulthood. For example, a Life Care Plan would include any accommodations the baby could need at home, an educational plan, therapy plans (physical and occupational therapy, for example), and medical plans.

Life Care Plans are created with the help of doctors, nurses, other medical professionals, and a cerebral palsy lawyer who can construct a detailed life map. A lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit to seek a settlement if you believe your child developed cerebral palsy as a result of medical malpractice.