During the physical exam of a baby suspected of having
cerebral palsy, the health professional will:
- Measure the size of the baby's head with a tape
measure. The size is compared with a chart listing the expected head size for
the baby's age and weight.
- Check the baby's body for physical
signs of cerebral palsy, such as a stiff, rigid position or a loose, floppy
position. Health professionals also look for muscles that don't relax and
stiffened joints.
- Evaluate the baby's ability to move the arms,
legs, and body.
- Determine if the baby has any shakiness (tremors)
of the arms and legs.
- Watch to see if the baby uses only one hand
to reach for things.
- Test the baby's reflexes (body movements that
are not under a person's control) to evaluate the nervous system. Temporary
(primitive) reflexes, such as throwing up the arms when startled, continue
longer in children with cerebral palsy, often lasting into their adult
years.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics |
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| Last Revised | September 30, 2010 |
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