Cerebral Palsy (cont.)
How is a child evaluated for cerebral palsy?
Most of the information leading to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy is generally obtained
from a thorough medical history and examination. The most critical tasks of the
healthcare provider are to identify potentially treatable causes of a child's impairment.
The healthcare provider evaluating the child with possible cerebral palsy should be experienced in
neurological examination and assessment of impaired children and well-versed in
the potential causes of cerebral palsy. Often, but not necessarily, this practitioner should
be a pediatric neurologist. Once the examination is complete, depending on the
findings, the practitioner may order laboratory tests to help in the assessment.
There is no single test to diagnose cerebral palsy. But since cerebral palsy is the result of
multiple different causes, the tests performed are used to identify specific
causes when possible. Other tests will be performed to assess the condition
of the child (nutritional status for example) or to assess other concomitant
conditions that the child might have.
Blood and urine tests may be used to
identify some of the more common inborn errors of metabolism. Blood tests may
also be used for chromosomal or other genetic studies. Brain imaging studies can
also be used to detect structural changes in the brain. The most sensitive brain
imaging study is the MRI examination. Nuclear medicine neuroimaging studies such
as SPECT or PET have no place in the initial evaluation of a child with cerebral
palsy, but
may prove very useful in the assessment of selected candidates.
Despite all of these tests, it may not be possible to answer some of the
burning questions in the mind of a parent of a neurologically impaired infant,
such as "Why does my child have cerebral palsy?" or "Will my child be normal?" This is
particularly true if a specific diagnosis is not reached and the child is under
one year of age. Some severely impaired young infants can grow up to be
independent, productive members of society, while other children, seemingly less
impaired, may require care throughout their lives.
Once the diagnostic evaluation is complete, further testing may be needed in
order to define the specific needs of any individual child. For example, if
seizures are present or suspected, an EEG (electroencephalogram) is performed.
However, this test is not needed if there are no signs of epilepsy.
Next: How is cerebral palsy treated? »
- diazepam, Valium - Describes the medication diazepam (Valium), a drug used for the short-term relief of symptoms related to anxiety disorders.
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
Latest Medical News
Neurology RSS