Question for parents - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

apddopey · 05-18-2004, 08:12 PM

Hi I am new here and didn't know where else to go. I had twin boys in January and we are concerned with one of them. They were born at 27 weeks and were a little over 2lbs a piece. The one we are concerned with has very high muscle tone, he is very tight. We have started therapy through Infants and Toddlers. When he had his developmental the doctor stated that they are very concerned about him but could not give any definite answers. My question is what was your child like as an infant? My son is very cranky, like he is in pain, he is very stiff and the only time he seems to relax is when I put him in the tub. I know he was early and is still catching up but he is much slower than his brother. I feel deep in my heart, I'm guessing mothers instinct, that something is wrong. CP has been brought up to me by doctors, but was told we would not know until he was about 1yoa. Thank you for any help you can give me, I am desperate to help my little man as much as I can.

Jennifer

Strawberry1 · 05-18-2004, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apddopey

CP has been brought up to me by doctors, but was told we would not know until he was about 1yoa.

Hmm. Those doctors really sound strange.

I was diagnosed with hemiplegia when I was 6 months old (I was taken to the pediatric neurologist when I was 4 months old). So at least some types of CP can be diagnosed at an early stage.

Zagreus · 05-19-2004, 10:30 AM

Is one of the physicians a pediatric neurologist? If not, perhaps you should ask to be referred to one.
My son's symptoms weren't really unambiguously evident until around 12 months to 15 months, but he didn't display the kind of spasticity (tightness) you're describing. Ask for a referral if you've not seen a neurologist.

randadell · 05-19-2004, 10:25 PM

My baby is the oppisite of yours he is very floppy with low muscle tone. He was diagnosed with cp at 7 weeks. If you feel something is wrong go to a pedi neurologist and get an MRI, then you will find the answers you need. Good luck

OrbOfConfusion · 05-20-2004, 12:01 AM

Hi Jennifer,

I would also suggest that you take him to a pediatric neuro.

My daughter is 2. She has spasticity on her right side. As an infant she had (and still does) a wonderful personality and temperament. She was slow to crawl, climb, walk, etc. but eventually caught on. She was (and is) a little on the chunky side. Born at 9 lb 3 oz. She was diagnosed with cp just after her second birthday.

Take care,
Melissa