Cerebral Palsy - When To Call a Doctor

When To Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services if your child with cerebral palsy (CP):

• Is having problems breathing.
• Chokes during feeding and you are not able to dislodge the food.

Call a health professional immediately if:

• You are pregnant and you get or suspect you have German measles (rubella) or signs of some other infection; have been exposed to harmful substances, such as strong chemicals or radiation; or you have consumed alcohol or used drugs.
• Your child has a seizure for the first time.

If you have a child diagnosed with CP, call your doctor if your child has:

• A seizure (if it is the first time, call your doctor or seek care immediately)
• Constipation that is not relieved by home treatment.
• Skin irritation that is not getting better, starts to bleed or weep fluid, or causes pain.
• Feeding problems that are not relieved by home treatment, such as:
  • A pattern of coughing and choking during feeding. If food is inhaled into the lungs, it increases the risk of developing pneumonia.
  • Chewing difficulty along with weight loss or complaints of being hungry.
• Frequent accidents that threaten your child's safety.
• Other signs of complications, such as bladder control problems, bleeding gums, or an increase in joint stiffness.

Watchful Waiting

Pay attention to whether your child is reaching early developmental milestones. Report your observations to your health professional at regularly scheduled well child visits or any time you have concerns.

Watchful waiting is not appropriate if your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and develops complications. See your child's health professional.

If you have cerebral palsy and you are pregnant, talk with a health professional about how the disorder can affect your pregnancy and delivery.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnose and treat people with cerebral palsy (CP) include:

• Pediatricians (some pediatricians specialize in developmental disabilities).
• Family medicine doctors.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Internal medicine doctors.
• Neurologists.
• Neurological surgeons.
• Physiatrists, physical medicine and rehabilitative physicians, and other doctors who specialize in therapeutic and long-term treatment issues.

Other specialists who may be involved in the care of people with CP include:

• Ophthalmologists.
• Orthopedic surgeons.
• Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses.

Other health professionals who may be involved in the care of people with CP include:

• Occupational therapists.
• Physical therapists.
• Dentists or orthodontists.
• Hearing specialists (audiologists).
• Speech therapists (speech-language pathologists).
• Registered dietitians.

Some health care clinics specialize in treating children with CP. Call your local health department for the nearest clinic in your area.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment