Genetic Testing

My daughter (22 months old) has just undergone genetics testing.  The neurologist stated that the results were normal and she does not have type of syndrome.  Does the genetic testing test for cerebral palsy?

For your information, she received normal results for an EEG and MRI.

I am really wondering if she could have cerebral palsy.

Thanks in advance for your response.

Jennifer

[itsmethere]

I am just a young adult who herself has CP (spastic diplegia) so I am answering just based on my knowledge of everything I read about CP.

Genetic testing may be entirely normal in CP since most cases of CP are not thought to be a result of genetic defects.  So normal genetic testing doesn't exclude the possibility of CP.

What's more important in the diagnosis of CP are a brain MRI and EEG.  If someone has CP, in most cases brain MRI shows anomalies and sometimes EEG has anomalies as well.  So the fact that MRI is normal might imply that she doesn't have CP.  However, in rare cases, the brain anomalies are so minor that the MRI doesn't detect them.

Hope it helps.

[Dr San Miguel]

Hi. Negative genetic, brain MRI and EEG testing are inconclusive evidences of cerebral palsy. Some patients may have normal findings and yet, symptoms of cerebral palsy only become evident as they grow older. Cerebral palsy can be accurately determined through history and physical examination. If you want to know if your child has one, consult your doctor. Thanks for asking.