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Cerebral palsy

Disease Information

Tests

How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?
A child is usually diagnosed with CP when she’s 6 to 12 months old, since this is the time when she starts missing developmental milestones like walking and controlling her hand and head movements.

The process of diagnosing cerebral palsy begins with a physical examination. During the initial exam, a developmental pediatrician obtains a complete history of the mother’s pregnancy and the child’s birth and infancy.

Next, your child will have these diagnostic tests:

  • a neurologic examination to evaluate your child’s reflexes and motor functions
  • X-rays, which use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs
  • feeding and swallowing studies, which assess how well your child chews, drinks liquids and swallows
  • an electroencephalogram (EEG), a procedure that records the brain's continuous electrical activity through electrodes attached to the scalp
  • a gait laboratory analysis to evaluate the walking pattern of the child
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequency waves and a special computer to create detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body
  • Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, which use x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of any part of the body (including bones, muscles and organs)
  • genetic studies, which screen for conditions that tend to run in families
  • metabolic tests, which detect the absence or insufficiency of specific enzymes (for example, particular amino acids, vitamins or carbohydrates) necessary to maintain normal body functions 
Spotlight on: Gait Laboratory

Children's Cerebral Palsy Program refers some patients with complex walking problems to a special Gait Laboratory on the grounds of nearby Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Gait Laboratory's services include:

  • high-speed movie cameras that record your child's steps
  • electronic monitors that measure muscle activity during walking 
  • computerized data evaluation to help determine the extent of walking issues and the optimal treatment approach

For more information, please call 617-573-2203.

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