Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that the infant’s motor behavior, through discovery and interaction with the environment, controls and generates the growth and development of muscle, ligament, and bone, as well as driving the ongoing development of the neuromotor system. Early active movement and intervention is essential because infants not actively using their motor cortex risk losing cortical connections and dedicated function (Eyre et al, 2014 Martin et al, 2011). Neuroscience evidence indicates that brain development and refinement of the motor system continues in the postnatal period, driven by activity in the motor cortex (Eyre et al, 2014 Martin et al, 2011). There is evidence that delayed diagnosis worsens parental mental health (Baird et al, 2000) and clinical trial evidence is emerging that the lack of intense early intervention may restrict the infant’s motor and cognitive gains (Morgan et al, 2016). It is not good practice to offer conservative “wait and see” monitoring, when clear clinical diagnostic indicators exist, especially in contexts where the absence of a diagnostic label precludes the infant from accessing the recommended early intervention. Families prefer early diagnosis, followed by early intervention and parent-to-parent support. Parents experience more depression and stress when they are dissatisfied with the diagnostic process.Early, regular monitoring and treatment for the known musculoskeletal complications of cerebral palsy can prevent the onset of hip dislocation, scoliosis and contracture.Cerebral palsy specific early intervention using intense, motor learning task-specific approaches plus environmental enrichment optimizes natural plasticity and improves children’s motor and cognitive outcomes.Why is Early Detection Important?Ĭerebral palsy should be detected as soon as possible because: Early detection enables timely early intervention when the greatest gains are possible from neuroplasticity. Cerebral palsy or high-risk of cerebral palsy can now be detected accurately and early using a combination of standardized assessment tools. Late diagnosis means some infants do not receive early intervention when they would benefit most. Cerebral palsy is a clinical diagnosis, diagnosed based on a combination of clinical signs, neurological symptoms and physical limitations. DefinitionsĬerebral palsy has traditionally been diagnosed between 12-24 months of age because there is no laboratory biomarker for cerebral palsy. Section I: Evidence Summary Printer Friendly Version A. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.
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