Cerebral Palsy Screening

In order to detect cerebral palsy at a young age, physicians must carefully screen patients for the disorder. This usually takes place after the doctor suspects developmental delays that could be symptoms of cerebral palsy.

During a cerebral palsy screening, certain tests are employed to evaluate the developmental progress of the child. Three of these tests are the Revised-Denver Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire (R-DPDQ), the Early Motor Pattern Profile (EMPP), and testing for motor milestones. The R-DPDQ is a form that assesses a child's developmental advances and is filled out by the child's parents. The EMPP is used for children less than one year old checks for muscle tone, reflex, and body movement problems. Finally, testing for motor milestones is usually performed several times during the first two years of life. It involves checking if the baby has motor skills appropriate to its age.

In some cases, brain imaging test such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to screen babies for cerebral palsy. Sometimes physicians can determine the cause or severity of a cerebral palsy case through an examination of the brain. However, some patients may show no brain abnormalities and still suffer from mild cerebral palsy.

If you are concerned about the development of your child and believe that he or she should be screened for cerebral palsy, speak with your doctor immediately. If the results of that screening suggest a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, you and your family deserve to receive all the benefits you are legally entitled to. By working with an experienced attorney you can ensure a safer and more secure future for your every member of your family, but especially for your newborn.

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