When to See A Doctor For Cerebral Palsy

If your child with cerebral palsy (CP):
Is having problems breathing.
Chokes during feeding and you are not able to dislodge the food.
Call a doctor right away if:
Your child has a seizure for the first time.
If you have a child diagnosed with CP, call your doctor if your child has:
A seizure (if it is the first time, call your doctor or seek care right away).
Constipation that isn't relieved by home treatment.
Skin irritation that isn't getting better, starts to bleed or weep fluid, or causes pain.
Feeding problems that aren't relieved by home treatment, such as:
A pattern of coughing and choking during feeding. If food is inhaled into the lungs, it increases the risk of pneumonia.
Trouble chewing, along withweight loss or complaints of being hungry.
Frequent accidents that threaten your child's safety.
Other signs of complications. These may include bladder control problems, bleeding gums, or an increase in joint stiffness.
If you have cerebral palsy and you are pregnant, talk with a doctor about how CP can affect your pregnancy and delivery.
Who to see
A team of health care providers will be involved in your child's care. Health professionals who can diagnose and treat people who have cerebral palsy include:
Pediatricians (some pediatricians specialize in developmental disabilities).
Family medicine doctors.
Nurse practitioners.
Physician assistants.
Internists.
Neurologists.
Neurological surgeons.

Physiatrists, physical medicine and rehabilitative physicians, and other doctors who specialize in therapeutic and long-term treatment issues.