Possible CP?

My 7-month-old son has just received a diagnosis of hypotonia.  Upon discussing his symptoms further, we have been pointed in the direction of possible CP.  He was 3 weeks premature, had the cord around his neck at birth causing severe decels upon delivery, Apgars were 6 and 9, and he had severe jaundice and was under lights for 7 days with his 5 day bili level spiking to 20.  He is now 7 months old and is unable to sustain self sitting and has multiple episodes where he arches his back and stiffens his head back.  He pretty much has the "floppy baby" look and can't keep his head steady with his body when pulled to a sitting yet.  He is able to roll around the house and hold his chest and head up when on his tummy.  He has had some difficulties with using his tongue to reject solids, but that has gotten so much better now to the point where he is no longer having issues with that.  He is totally sociable and has actually been well advanced as far as social skills IMHO.  The last concerning thing for me is the fact that he has a lump in his skull on the back right side, but other than that I can't think of anything else to add as far as his development goes.  However, I'm at a loss as to what to do and other than the possibility of CP no one seems to want to suggest  what we should be doing to figure out or make a definitive diagnosis.  Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.  Thanks!

[lisap122]

Our little girl is 2 1/2 and was diagnosed with CP on 12/1/10. From what I've read they don't tend to diagnose CP until later, unless it's really severe or obvious. We sought out another doctor to get answers to our concerns. You could look towards a pediatric neurologist to get a better evaluation. After the diagnosis, we had several people working with us say "oh yeah, that's what I thought too". Go figure. I don't understand why they were reluctant to suggest it. The first actual suggestion was from the man who handles her AFO's (ankle, foot orthodics - AKA foot/ankle brace). He suggested we have her checked for CP by another specialist. IF you think something major is wrong, YOU pursue another doctor and be your child's advocate. Sometimes we as parents have to be more proactive. (I've learned that one the hard way.)

Keep in mind, a CP diagnosis isn't the end of the world, although it's tough to hear at first. And, it's not progressive. Once you partner with a good doctor who looks out for your child, and you, things will look up. I wish you and your little one the best.

[Dr Arora]

Hi, hypotonia may result from hypotonic cerebral palsy, adverse neonatal events. Early presentation of metabolic disorders, connective tissue disorder, hypothyroidism non ketotic hyperglycemia, and Down's syndrome are clinically very important causes of hypotonia to ascertain. Electrophysiology includes EMG to distinguish neurogenic from myogenic etiology in infants. Role of neuro imaging is important in identifying central causes and to evaluate the central white matter. It also helps to distinguish neuro degeneration syndromes, basal ganglia and other inherited disorders of metabolism. Thyroid tests can rule out hypothyroidism. I hope this helps. Bye