Doctors diagnose Cerebral Palsy by testing an infant's motor skills and looking carefully at the mother?s and infant's medical history. In addition to checking for those symptoms described above, a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis shows slow development, abnormal muscle tone, and unusual posture. A Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis is characterized as well by a physician testing the infant's reflexes and looks for early development of hand preference.

One of several reflexes that a physician can check when making a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis are movements that the body makes automatically in response to a specific medium.

For example when diagnosing a case or Type of Cerebral Palsy, if a newborn is on its back and tilted so its legs are above its head, the baby should naturally extend its arms which is called the Moro Reflex. The Moro Reflex looks like an embrace. Babies usually lose this reflex after 6 months, but children with Cerebral Palsy have been diagnosed as retaining it for long periods.

Doctors look for hand preference or tendencies to use either the right or left hand more often and when the doctor holds an object in front a child with Cerebral Palsy or to the side of the child with Cerebral Palsy, the child with hand preference will use the favored hand to reach for the object even when it is closer to the opposite hand. Normally, children without Cerebral Palsy during the first 12 months of life, usually do not show hand preference.

Another example when making a Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis, especially in dealing with the type of Cerebral Palsy known as Spastic Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy, babies develop a preference much earlier since the hand on the unaffected side of their body is stronger and more useful.

A Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis also involves ruling out other disorders that cause movement problems. When diagnosing Cerebral Palsy, doctors must determine that the child's condition is not getting worse and although its symptoms may change over time, Cerebral Palsy is not a progressive condition. If a child with a movement disorder is continuously losing additional motor skills for instance as tie goes on, the problem more likely is not cause by any type of Cerebral Palsy, but rather could stem from genetic disorders, muscle diseases, metabolism disorders, or tumors in the nervous system.

A Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis will have included the use of specialized test such as CT Scans, MRI's, and ultrasonography.

When diagnosing Cerebral Palsy, a Computed Tomography Scan, or CT Scan, is used. A CT Scan is a sophisticated imaging technique that uses X Rays and a computer to create a picture of the child with Cerebral Palsy's brain tissues and structures. When doctors use a CT Scan to help diagnosis Cerebral Palsy, they do so in hopes of revealing brain areas that may be underdeveloped. They also look for abnormal cysts which are sacs that are filled with liquid in the brain or other physical problems. When using this technology, doctors are better equipped to handle a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis.

In addition to using a CT Scan when diagnosing Cerebral Palsy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is also a great brain imaging technique that is widely used for identifying brain disorders. Magnetic fields and radio waves are used to give better pictures of structures or abnormal areas located near bone.

A Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis also involves a test that exposes problems in brain tissues. Ultrsonagraphy bounces sound waves off the brain and uses the pattern of echoes to form a sonogram, which is a picture of its structures.

Ultrasonography can be used in infants before the bones of the skull harden and close and although it is less precise than CT and MRI scanning, this technique can detect cysts and structures in the brain, is less expensive, and does not require long periods of immobility.

Finally, physicians may want to look for other conditions that are linked to Cerebral Palsy, including seizure disorders, mental impairment, and vision or hearing problems.

When the doctor suspects a seizure disorder, an electroencephalogram, or EEG, may be ordered. An EEG uses special patches called electrodes placed on the scalp to record the electrical currents inside the brain. This recording can help the doctor see telltale patterns in the brain's electrical activity that suggest a seizure disorder.

At The Rasansky Law Firm, you will find an experienced Cerebral Palsy Law Firm that is ready to provide the resources needed to bring a cerebral palsy lawsuit against doctors, nurses, medical staff and medical facilities.

The Rasansky Law Firm aggressively handles Cerebral Palsy claims dealing with all types of Cerebral Palsy such as Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, and Spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Furthermore, our Cerebral Palsy Lawyers at The Rasansky Law Firm will be patient and understanding to your needs, questions or concerns. Talking with a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer can be an intimidating experience, but at The Rasansky Law Firm, you will always feel comfortable and informed in talking about your child with Cerebral Palsy.

Do not hesitate to Contact a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer today, by using our Contact Form, to discuss your medical and legal rights in dealing with birth injuries and birth defects. The Rasansky Law Firm is standing by even if you are unsure as to whether or not you need to talk to a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer.

When you contact a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer at The Rasansky Law Firm, consultations are always free. Submitting your case is quick and easy. There is no charge when you submit your type of Cerebral Palsy case or cerebral palsy questions to us. Furthermore, there is no charge when talking with a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer at our office.

Your Rasansky Law Firm Cerebral Palsy Lawyer will gather all the necessary materials needed to see if your child's type of cerebral palsy was due to medical malpractice and/or negligence.