Guide To The Symptoms Of Cerebral Palsy

Difficulty Walking

Walking difficulties are a primary feature of cerebral palsy. They manifest in different ways in each patient. Some patients with very mild forms of cerebral palsy may only have difficulty walking up and down stairs or walking long distances. Others could display more noticeable gait variations. For example, some patients with this condition walk with a scissor-like gait that involves crossing the knees. Some individuals will walk only on their tiptoes or in a crouched position.

Other possible gait changes include walking with a wide gait with the feet very far apart and the toes pointed outward or inward, and walking with one leg dragging a little behind the other. Some gait changes such as walking on the tiptoes may be corrected using special orthotic devices or with surgeries to lengthen tendons in the ankles. Patients may need to use walking aids, including canes, crutches, braces, or walkers.

Problems Speaking

Research indicates that over half of all individuals with cerebral palsy will have some problems speaking. This is likely because patients tend to find controlling muscles in their neck, throat, head, and face quite challenging. The result of this, of course, are problems with speech. Some children with cerebral palsy may struggle with issues such as pronunciation and articulation. Stuttering is quite common as well. The problems speaking symptom of cerebral palsy is why most children with this condition will receive at least some speech therapy as a treatment. This therapy helps strengthen the muscle they use for speaking, among other things.