Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

My daughter is 5 months and exibits signs of cerebral palsy ie;poor muscle tone in arms, poor sucking ability, she cries very loudly, doesn't smile often and is very irritable.  I spoke with my doctor about it and she says that she is fine but in my heart I feel like there is something going on.  Are there any other types of disorders that may exibit similar symptoms?

[mommyofnathan]

Hello,

Did your doctor feel that she was developing normally??  
If you are concerned, then you must get her evaluated by a developmental paediatrician.  Not doubting your doctor but the fact that she has poor sucking ability shows that she  might  also have poor swallowing ability which may result in aspiration pneumonia etc.  For your own peace of mind, or for your daughters benefit in starting therapy soon, get her to a developmental specialist.  Does she have head control, can she sit up?  When you say she is irratable, is she just fussy (like a child with a fever) or does she scream at a high pitch?

[Logan206]

Hi. I posted in a forum here a few months back regarding my son, who was 5 months at the time.  I was in a similar situation, where I had concerns and felt others were dismissing them.

I think you should take mommyofnathan's advice (i did-thx mommyofnathan!).  We now have our son in more aggressive therapy and it's definitely making a difference.  We have a neuro consult scheduled, but it's not for a few months.  In our case, we're still not sure if he has CP or is just delayed, but I feel much better now that I've spoken up and have our doctor and therapist on the same page.

Don't be afraid to speak up and be more demanding.  It can't hurt to get another opinion or have a few sessions with a therapist.  Even if your daughter falls within a 'normal' range developmentally, they can still show you some exercises that could benefit any child.

Good luck to you.  Keep us updated!

[JainMD]

Hi,
I think you should be following mommyofnathan's advice as that sounds reasonably good.
You should be consulting a pediatric neurologist for further evaluation and management.
Alternatively you can change your pediatrician, see another pediatrician and development specialist.
Warning signs for early diagnosis of CP in a child includes Lack of alertness in your child, Decrease in spontaneous mobility, Increase in abnormal movements, if any seizures occurs, Feeding problems, drooling of Saliva, Poor quality of sleep and also if you notice fisting persisting beyond 2 months of age.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[mommyofnathan]

Hi again,

I am very happy to hear that your baby is doing so well.  Focus on his good things and the improvements he made.  I once got good advice from a fellow "inmate"  (I lived with my son in hospital for over 6 weeks at one stage and we used to call each other inmates if you lived in the hospital for longer than 2 weeks!!).  "listen but don't always hear".  I think my brain produces a chemical blocking out words like, minimal, impossible, unlikely, less than, bleak etc.
Your doing a great job.  Remember to look after yourself as well.  Good luck