my son is 17 months old and we recently saw a neuorolgist because he is not walking yet and his right hand does not have much dexterity. the doctor said he most likely has a mild form of celebral palsy (i cant remember what he called it exactly) but he needs a mri to be sure. i am very scared because not only does he need to be put asleep for the mri, but he will likely be facing a lifetime of physical therapy. he is a very smart boy, he just cant do things as well as other kids his age. has anyone else had this early diagnosis and if so, what was the outcome and how is your child doing now?
2007-03-28 11:30:57 · 6 answers · asked by *ilovemybabyface* 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
The term cerebral palsy simple means problems with motor ability—gross, fine, oral, caused from brain damage suffered sometime before, during or after birth up to a year or two. The brain damage can be minimal and a child be severely affected. Damage can be great and the child be mildy affected. CT or MRI scans are used to help in diagnosing cerebral palsy along with a physical exam that will look at things such as reflexes. Some children who have cerebral palsy will have normal brain scans. When this occurs, and there are no other mitochondrial, dystrophic, or genetic components involved, it is believed that the brain damage is so diffuse and small that it is not able to be detected by the scans.
Children who are mildly affected by cerebral palsy lead near “normal” lives. They may not be the star athlete, though they could be, but they can excel. The most important thing for parents to remember is to never give up on your child. If they are struggling find out what is causing the problem and help them address it.
Children who are mildly physically affected by cerebral palsy still can have other disorders that are associated with cp. These disorders can affect them from mildly to severely as well. Disorders that can be associated with cerebral palsy include:
Seizure Disorders/Epilespy, persons with hemiplegia are more likely to be diagnosed with seizure disorders/epilepsy than persons with other types of cerebral palsy.
Processing Difficulties, such as auditory or visual processing deficits, hearing and vision are normal but the brain does not process the information coming in through these senses correctly
Sensory Integration Dysfunction, where the brain has a hard time organizing information brought in by the senses; taste, tactile/touch, see, hear, smell, proprioceptive, and/ or vestibular senses.
Failure to thrive, where the child has an unusually hard time gaining weight, height, etc.
Reflux, where what the child eats comes back up into the esophagus. This can cause damage to the esophagus. It can be very evident or can be happening silently where it is not clear that it is occurring.
ADD/ADHD, Attention deficit disorder or attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder
Other learning disabilities, children with cerebral palsy often will have problems in the classroom. They may not be able to learn the way that other children do or the way that certain teachers teach. This does not mean that they cannot learn but that they need to be taught in a manner in which they can excel. Be creative and try several different approaches until you find the one that fits the child.
Mental Retardation/Cognitive Deficits, Most children/adults with cerebral palsy have average to above average intelligence.
The best thing for these children is to keep them active, just as you would any other child. Treat them no differently, expect great things from them because they are more than capable of delivering. Help them to reach their fullest potential. They will thank you for it in the end.
2007-03-28 12:09:55 · answer #1 · answered by mom_princess77 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mild form of CP is just that.. MILD... it means he may have some dexterity issues...some issues with writing.. possibly not know where his body is in relation to things around him...
My son is 9 yrs old.. he has mild low tone CP..
It's good that it was found soooo early.. not all children are that lucky... with the proper care and the proper guidance there is NOTHING that your son won't be able to do!
Never treat him as if he has a handicap.. and he will NEVER realize he does...
All the best!
2007-03-28 18:43:35 · answer #2 · answered by gin_in_mi 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My best friend has a more severe case of this and she is a college graduate, and has a child herself. She is very intelligent. She walks, but with a profound limp. She was raised by her parents to be independent so she could have a normal life. Try not to do too many things for him. Let him try to do things for himself so he can become a productive member of society.
2007-03-28 18:35:33 · answer #3 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry to hear that
Just a little note though - Most children with clelbral palsy are VERY VERY inteligent. He will work out his own way to express himself..
It wont be easy, but good luck..
And just think, it could be ALOT worse :o)
2007-03-28 18:35:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://gait.aidi.udel.edu/res695/homepage/pd_ortho/clinics/c_palsy/cpweb.htm
2007-03-28 18:34:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
2007-03-28 18:33:29 · answer #6 · answered by The Man 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋