In the first year of an infant’s life, it is critical to be on the lookout for early signs of Cerebral Palsy in your child.

There are many risk factors that can contribute the condition, particularly during pregnancy and at birth, and those whose pregnancies are complicated by such factors should be especially aware of warning signs.

Risk Factors:

• Being born too small
• Being born too early
• Being born a twin or other multiple birth
• Being conceived by in vitro fertilization or other assisted reproductive technology
• Having a mother who had an infection during pregnancy
• Having kernicterus (a type of brain damage that can happen when severe newborn jaundice goes untreated)

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a small percentage of Cerebral Palsy cases result from injuries sustained 28 days after birth. Those cases have been attributed to brain infections like meningitis, suffering serious head injuries.

When to be concerned:

The CDC breaks down early warning signs of Cerebral Palsy for various ages.

In a baby 3 to 6 months of age:

• Head falls back when picked up while lying on back
• Feels stiff
• Feels floppy
• Seems to overextend back and neck when cradled in someone’s arms
• Legs get stiff and cross or scissor when picked up

In a baby older than 6 months of age:

• Doesn’t roll over in either direction
• Cannot bring hands together
• Has difficulty bringing hands to mouth
• Reaches out with only one hand while keeping the other fisted

In a baby older than 10 months of age: 

• Crawls in a lopsided manner, pushing off with one hand and leg while dragging the opposite hand and leg
• Scoots around on buttocks or hops on knees, but does not crawl on all four

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Dr. David Siambanes, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is fellowship trained in both pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformities, who treats children suffering from Cerebral Palsy.

For more information on procedures to treat Cerebral Palsy, or to contact Dr. Siambanes, please click here.