In addition to the primary symptoms of spastic cerebral palsy, some people may also have additional medical complications that can cause related side effects, such as possible seizures due to brain damage, as well as potential scoliosis or hip dislocation caused by tight muscles.
When is spastic cerebral palsy diagnosed?
As any parent can attest, having a baby comes with lots of doctor appointments—before and after your child is born. During those well-baby visits, your doctor should discuss developmental milestones with you. (The American Academy of Pediatrics1 recommends developmental screenings at nine, 18, and 30 months, however, your doctor may ask questions informally at every appointment.) If your baby doesn’t meet the milestones for their age, such as rolling over or crawling, then your doctor might test for medical conditions like spastic cerebral palsy.
Screenings make it easier to catch spastic cerebral palsy early—most people with the condition are diagnosed by the time they are two years old. That said, some children don’t show signs of the condition until they’re older, according to Dr. Ong.
According to NINDS, diagnosis generally includes imaging tests such as:
- Cranial ultrasound, an imaging test used on young babies because it is the least intrusive option. However, the photos generally aren’t as precise as other tests.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan, a test that shows images of the brain to help reveal possible damage.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a test that offers a more detailed image of the brain compared to a CT scan. MRI can help identify the location and type of brain damage.
Additionally, your doctor will most likely watch your child move naturally and observe for fidgety or jerky movements during the exam2.
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How is spasticity treated in cerebral palsy?
There’s no cure for any form of cerebral palsy, but children who start treatment as soon as they’re diagnosed generally have an easier time living with their condition. For example, kids who were diagnosed and treated before they were two years old improved their motor and cognitive skills, so they could do things like eat and drink more easily, according to a 2021 systematic review published in JAMA Pediatrics3.
Cerebral palsy treatment is highly personalized, so it’s based on an individual’s symptoms. If you have spastic cerebral palsy, then your treatment may include specific medications or therapies to help manage spasticity symptoms too. These might include the following:
Physical and occupational therapy
Both therapies are typically an important part of cerebral palsy treatment, according to NINDS. Physical therapy includes exercises that help improve your muscle strength, balance, and coordination, whereas occupational therapy includes mobility exercises that, when done consistently over time, will help you do everyday activities like getting dressed.
Source: SELF
