How to Use a MRI to Determine the Extent of Cerebral Palsy

Research and medical advancements in recent years have made it possible for doctors to use MRI and CT scans to see a child's brain structure and determine the extent of cerebral palsy in an afflicted child at any stage of development. An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging scan, is a diagnostic technique wherein a radiologist produces images of body structures using radio waves, magnetic principles and computerized imagery. Read on to learn more about how to use a MRI to determine the extent of cerebral palsy.

Things You'll Need

• OB-GYN (may be necessary)
• Radiologist
• MRI
• Pediatrician or family doctor
• Spinal MRI
• Neurological MRI
• Physical therapy (may be necessary)

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact your pediatrician or family doctor to begin the process of diagnosing or ruling out cerebral palsy in your child if you have observed any behaviors that are consistent with the disorder, or if your child has experienced the risk factors for cerebral palsy.

• 2

  Discuss with your OB-GYN the possibility of an MRI to detect the existence and extent of cerebral palsy in your fetus if you are pregnant. This is usually only necessary if your pregnancy has been marked by any traumatic events, or if you have any other reasons to be concerned about the presence of cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders.

• 3

  Ask for a referral to a radiologist for a nuclear MRI exam, or NMR, which will take advanced, high-quality images of your child's brain structure.

• 4

  Go over the MRI imagery with your radiologist, pediatrician and any other specialists to find out about any possible brain damage.

• 5

  Use the MRI in consultation with your medical team to identify any diseases, disorders or damage that may rule out or confirm cerebral palsy. If the conditions for the disorder are present, you'll also want to determine the extent of its likely eventual symptoms.

• 6

  Supplement the neurological MRI with a spinal MRI to determine likely current or eventual spasticity and motor control issues.

• 7

  Check the MRI for indications of hydrocephalus (water on the brain), brain bleeding, elongation of the brain or damage to nearby bone or tissue. Each of these conditions has the potential to lead to cerebral palsy when they occur at any stage of fetal or child development.

• 8

  Conduct further testing at regular stages of the child's development to assess the spread of cerebral palsy symptoms. You can use the results of these tests as a guide for continuing treatment and physical therapy.