Early Cerebral Palsy Detection and Intervention

Paola Mendoza-Sengco; Caitlin Lee Chicoine; Jilda Vargus-Adams

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.014

Early Cerebral Palsy Detection and Intervention

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;70(3):385-398. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.014. Epub 2023 Mar 21.

Authors

Paola Mendoza-Sengco¹, Caitlin Lee Chicoine², Jilda Vargus-Adams²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 4009, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026, USA. Electronic address: PaolaMaria.Mendoza-Sengco@cchmc.org.
² Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 4009, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3026, USA.

PMID: 37121632
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.014

Abstract

Early identification of cerebral palsy (CP) facilitates optimal care, support, and outcomes for children and their families. Ideally, infants with risk factors or developmental deviations should be evaluated early using standardized assessments of neurodevelopment and brain imaging. If a diagnosis of CP or high risk for CP (HRCP) is established, specialized, evidence-informed therapy and family support should be initiated. With task-specific motor skill training and an enriched environment, infants with CP show greater gross motor and cognitive gains. These enhanced outcomes are only achievable with early diagnosis and subsequent intervention.

Keywords: CP; Cerebral palsy; Early detection; Early intervention; High risk for CP.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cerebral Palsy* / diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy* / therapy
Child
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Infant
Motor Skills
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors