Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis and Tests

Unlike with many other conditions, no single test can diagnose cerebral palsy. Instead, a diagnosis involves understanding a child’s medical history and identifying symptoms consistent with the condition. Diagnosing cerebral palsy as soon as possible ensures early intervention and a lifetime of excellent medical care.
Diagnosis Shortly After Birth
In some cases, doctors diagnose cerebral palsy shortly after birth. Babies born prematurely or who have other significant risk factors are most likely to receive an early diagnosis. In such cases, a newborn often will have an MRI that shows damage to the brain. A neurological exam with abnormal results also helps support an early diagnosis.
In cases of early diagnosis, Gillette specialists might provide evaluations or consultations while a baby is still in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Once a baby comes home from the hospital, regular visits with Gillette’s cerebral palsy specialists play an important role in maximizing a child’s health and abilities.
Diagnosis During Toddlerhood
Most often, children receive a cerebral palsy diagnosis between ages 1 and 3. Such children usually have a birth and medical history that increases their risk of cerebral palsy. Symptoms at birth, however, might not be clear enough to warrant an early diagnosis. Instead, parents and care providers watch for developmental concerns.
Parents and care providers might suspect cerebral palsy if a child misses milestones (such as sitting up or crawling) or shows other symptoms consistent with the condition. Sometimes pediatricians and family practitioners diagnose patients with cerebral palsy. In other cases, they send their patients to a specialty center like Gillette for evaluation.
Diagnosis During Childhood
Although the situation is rare, some children receive a cerebral palsy diagnosis after their toddler years. In such cases, providers might have missed very mild symptoms, or a child might have failed to outgrow what was thought to be another condition (such as idiopathic toe walking).
In addition, children older than 1 can develop symptoms similar to those of cerebral palsy if they sustain traumatic brain injuries, experience a lack of oxygen, or contract an infection such as meningitis. Children whose injuries occur when they are older than 1 typically receive a diagnosis of brain injury rather than cerebral palsy.
Tests and Evaluations to Help Diagnose Cerebral Palsy
Although no single test can diagnose cerebral palsy, doctors use various tests and evaluations to help make a diagnosis. Common tests and evaluations include:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Computed tomography (CT)
Cranial ultrasound
Developmental screenings (during well-child visits)

Developmental assessment conducted by a neurologist, pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialist or neurodevelopmental pediatrician