While it is not yet routine, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is supported in the gathered evidence when cerebral palsy is suspected. Additionally, MRI is preferred over computerized tomography (CT). Metabolic and genetic studies need not be done routinely, according to the guideline, unless the cause of the brain's abnormality isn't evident from the MRI or by clinical history and examination. An early diagnosis helps the child's parent or caregiver and their physician understand the cause of the disorder, as well as make informed decisions on a treatment plan.
Evidence also suggests that children diagnosed with cerebral palsy should be routinely examined for other related disorders.
Stephen Ashwal, MD, Loma Linda University of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, who was a principal author along with Barry Russman, MD, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, said the guideline recommendations can be helpful to patients and their families. "Because children with cerebral palsy often have other conditions such as mental retardation, vision and hearing impairments, speech and language disorders and chewing and swallowing disorders, the initial assessment should include screening for these associated conditions," according to Ashwal.
Cerebral palsy, a disorder affecting posture and movement due to a lesion in the developing brain, is relatively common. It occurs in about 2 to 2.5 births per 1,000 worldwide. In the United States, about 10,000 babies are born annually with cerebral palsy.
Most children with cerebral palsy are diagnosed by the time they are two years of age. A non-progressive disease, most children with cerebral palsy improve as they get older.
Complete guidelines and summaries for physicians and patients and their families will be available for downloading on March 23 at http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/guideline/index.cfm.
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 18,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research.
The Child Neurology Society is an association of 1,300 pediatric neurologists worldwide devoted to fostering the discipline of child neurology and promoting the optimal care and welfare of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, autism and multiple sclerosis.
For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit its web site at www.aan.com.
For more information about the Child Neurology Society visit www.childneurologysociety.org.
Editor's Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed this guideline.
Journal
Neurology