Sometimes things can get to be more than you can handle. I know this from my own personal experience. I suffered a great loss and after a year of trying to cope with that loss on my own, I knew that it was time for me to reach out for some help. I was missing work, didn't want to do much of anything and just didn't feel like myself. I started seeing a counselor each week, and it has helped. If you are struggling to recover after a loss, this blog may be able to help you find the help you need to get past it.
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Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination. There are different classifications of cerebral palsy, but two of the most common types are hypertonic and hypotonic. Hypertonic cerebral palsy can lead to muscle stiffness and spasms, while hypotonic cerebral palsy can lead to general muscle weakness and related issues. Below are three early signs of cerebral palsy that your infant may display and how they can affect your child.
Your Baby Feels Too Floppy or Too Stiff
Since cerebral palsy is a condition that affects your child's muscles, the first signs of the condition will likely be muscles that are too stiff or too relaxed.
If your baby is too floppy, you'll notice that their head falls back when being picked up and their joints seem to be abnormally flexible. If your baby is too stiff, they may appear to be pushing away from you when you're holding them, and one leg may cross over the other when being picked up.
Your Baby Is Struggling to Meet Their Milestones
The majority of developmental milestones that your child is expected to experience in their first year are muscle-related. These milestones may be met at a later time if your baby is struggling with cerebral palsy.
For example, if your 3-month old is struggling to hold up her head or is unable to bring her hands to her mouth, your baby may be having difficulty controlling her muscles. Other common milestones include rolling over by 6 months of age and sitting without support by 9 months of age. If your baby is having difficulty meeting their milestones, it doesn't mean they have cerebral palsy, but it is something to bring up to your child's pediatrician as a concern.
Your Baby Is Frequently Constipated
The colon is an organ that requires the help of muscle contractions in order to produce regular bowel movements. In some children with cerebral palsy, constipation can be a chronic issue.
Constipation isn't simply a lack of bowel movements, as some babies can go days without a bowel movement and not be constipated. Common symptoms include dry, hard stools and abdominal discomfort. Of course, constipation alone isn't a sign of cerebral palsy, but if your child is struggling with constipation while also showing the other symptoms listed above, your pediatrician will likely evaluate your child for cerebral palsy and may refer your child to a development specialist for further evaluation.
To learn more about cerebral palsy, or to discuss your concerns, consult with your baby's pediatrician about getting an evaluation as well as a referral to a pediatric physical therapist. Visit a practice, such as ABC Pediatric Therapy, for more information.
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