When is cerebral palsy first detectable?

Answer:

Cerebral palsy is often not diagnosed immediately after birth. In most cases, signs become noticeable between 1 and 3 years of age, when developmental delays become more apparent. Parents may first become concerned if their child is not meeting milestones such as rolling over, crawling, walking, or speaking at the expected age.

Doctors typically begin evaluating for cerebral palsy when a child shows persistent issues with:

• Muscle tone – stiffness, floppiness, or abnormal posture.
• Reflexes – unusual reflex responses that do not resolve with age.
• Motor development – difficulty with coordination, balance, or voluntary movement.

To confirm a diagnosis, physicians may recommend MRI, CT scans, or cranial ultrasounds to detect abnormalities in brain development or injury. Early detection is vital because early therapy and medical intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.