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Central nervous system
Central nervous system


Cerebral palsy

Symptoms:


Signs and tests:

In many cases, a doctor's examination indicates delayed development of motor skills. Infantile reflexes (such as sucking and startle) may persist past the age where they usually disappear. Muscle tremor or spasticity may be evident, with a tendency of infants to tuck their arms in toward their sides, scissors movements of the legs, or other abnormal movements.

Various laboratory tests may be performed to eliminate nutritional or other causes of the symptoms.

  • MRI of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities
  • CT scan of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities
  • Hearing screen (to determine auditory status)
  • Visual testing (to determine visual status)
  • EEG
  • Blood tests to exclude metabolic or hereditary conditions



Review Date: 7/13/2004
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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