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Tests for Cerebral Palsy in Children

There is a general milestone time line assigned to all babies beginning at birth. Most babies, for example, start to reach for toys by about 4 months, try to sit by about 7 months, and begin to walk by about 14 months. A baby that is behind schedule may not have any medical problems. Still, a physician may use a variety of tests to rule out or diagnose cerebral palsy.

  1. Reflex Tests

    • The body makes automatic movements, called reflexes, in response to a specific cue. Physicians may check a variety of reflexes on an infant, including the Moro reflex. This is a reflex which occurs when a baby under 6 months is held on its back with its feet raised over its head. In response to this positioning, a baby under 6 months typically reaches up in a gesture that looks like an embrace. Babies who continue to have this reflex beyond the age of 6 months may have cerebral palsy.

    Hand Preference Test

    • Most babies under 12 months do not display a hand preference. However, babies with cerebral palsy are more likely to display a preference for either the right or left hand because one side is usually stronger than the other. In order to test for hand preference, a physician will hold an object in front of and to the side of the infant and note whether the baby displays a trend in using one hand over the other.

    CT, MRI, and EEG Tests

    • -Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique which uses X-rays and a computer to create a picture of the brain. It can detect abnormalities and other physical problems within the brain. This test enables physicians to look at the specific long-term prognosis for a child with cerebral palsy.
      -Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a brain-imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to map portions of the brain. MRIs can give clearer pictures of areas closer to the bone than CT scans can.
      -An electroencephalogram (EEG) uses electrodes, which are placed on the scalp, to record electrical currents within the brain. This helps doctors to notice if an infant has a seizure disorder.

    Intelligence, Vision, Hearing, and Orthopedic Tests

    • Physicians also may order or perform intelligence tests. These will help to determine if a child with cerebral palsy is also mentally impaired. Due to the nature of these tests, sometimes a child with problems speaking, moving or sensing will seem to be less intelligent than he really is. Doctors will also often order examinations by other health professionals, such as ophthalmologists (eye doctors), doctors specializing in hearing problems and orthopedic doctors to test for issues pertaining to their respective field. For example, an orthopedic doctor may be able to check a child for gait issues, such as a wide stance and an unbalanced walk (common in certain forms of cerebral palsy).

    Other Disorders

    • A combination of tests, an examination of a child's medical history and repeated check-ups is in order. This is because there are other problems, such as muscle diseases, metabolic disorders and genetic diseases that can cause disturbances in the development of motor skills.

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