My daughter was born last July at only 24 weeks gestation. At 13 days old Hayley contracted E Coli Meningitis and thankfully survived it (she was the only one to survive this infection out of the three bubs in her room that had it). Between the meningitis and the grade 1 IVH (brain bleed) that she had, she ended up with scarring on her brain that caused Hydrocephalus. At about 6 months old, Hayley had a VP shunt put in to control the Hydrocephalus. At the same time she also had a routine brain MRI scan which showed the significant scarring on both ventricles. At the time, the neurologist said we won't know whether or not she has CP unless she starts to show symptoms. Over the past few months I noticed some symptoms I recognised as mild CP (I used to work looking after patients with CP, among other special needs). Then at Hayley's 8 month (corrected) Growth and Development clinic, the paediatritian said she is showing the indicators for CP, but that they can't officially diagnose her until 12 months corrected. A couple weeks later she was sent to a Physio (different to her usual physio) who works alot with CP children, and she also pre-diagnosed Hayley with CP. That afternoon we took Hayley to her private Paediatrician who also chacked her over and told us he believes she has CP.
At this stage the hardest thing is not having a definite 'diagnosis', as we have been referred to the CP association and local special needs playgroup by the G&D clinic, but we can't 'officially' join anything or get any specific help until the drs sign the papers at her 12 month clinic.
Is there anyone else here with a cild that has mild CP, and what does that mean for you and your child?

Hello Kristy. My boy, Gunnar has recently, 'officially' been diagnosed with Dystonic Cerebral Palsy at the age of 1.

Gunnar was displaying symptoms long before the diagnosis but, like yourselves, it took a long while for the diagnosis to be made. At this moment in time we have not been told how severe the CP will be for Gunnar. However, I have hopes that it is fairly mild as I have read articles and seen videos that show unfortunate children showing much more severe symptoms. I have obviously read about and seen much milder symptoms than Gunnar has but, as I say, Gunnar seems (fingers crossed) in the milder bracket.

Gunnar has poor control of his head and neck and cannot sit on his own at this time but he is gradually getting stronger. He can control his head and neck when he concentrates on doing so, although it can be tiring for him to do it. He also has problems with grabbing and holding things and is unable to transfer objects to his mouth or from hand to hand. Gunnar's toes often curl under his feet, he has trouble eating lumpy food and cannot say any meaningful words (although he likes to shout on a regular basis!). However, he smiles and laughs lots and is very aware and sociable around other children

Good luck to you, Hayley and your family.

Louis, Anna & Gunnar.

Hi and thankyou for your reply.
How old is Gunnar?
Hayley is currently 9 months old corrected (13 months actual). At this stage she can say 'dada', 'baba', and 'eeeee'. She is too weak in her trunk to be able to roll, or sit unsupported, (not crawling either). She tends to curl her toes under as well, and although she is pretty strong in her legs, she points her toes if we hold her in standing position. Her legs get a little stiff at times, and we have been given exercises for that. She also tends to arch her back while holding her arms stiff and her hands turned in with clenched fists (this is what alerted me to CP) when she tries to reach out for things sometimes (or when I clean her nose for her oxygen). Hayley has had alot of OT since coming home from NICU, and this has resulted in her being able to grab toys, pass them between hands, and bang toys together - although she tends to have her hands clenched into fists the rest of the time. She has very good head and neck control as long as she's not tired. When held up in the air she can't keep her head straight (this was one of the things that alerted the drs). Anyway, the therapists seem to think she should be able to walk - but that it may take a couple years to do so.
Like Gunnar, Hayley is also a very social and happy baby and the drs believe she is right on par mentally.
Kristy

Kristy, have you tried AFO's (splint) for Haley for the pointing toe problem? My son 'skanda' had the same problem & we tried different excercises. But after the AFO's were introduced his toe has gone much flexible, releasing the stiffness in tendons. He can now stand on holding onto something. We are now working on his balance.

'Skanda',
No, I haven't tried any types of splints yet. I think until Hayley gets enough strength in her trunk, she won't be able to walk yet anyway. At this stage the physio is concentrating on her trunk strength and also keeping her legs and feet looser.

Children with mild cerebral palsy may have symptoms noticeable to parents, but misinterpreted. For example, a child with mild cerebral palsy may have a delay in talking. A parent may think the delay is due to a speech or hearing impediment while it is actually due to cerebral palsy. Many mild cerebral palsy children are taken to health professionals by their parents for evaluation and are then referred to a doctor specializing in cerebral palsy. Symptoms to watch for which might indicate mild cerebral palsy include:

Walking on tip toes (toe walking)
Keeping arms raised or suspended in air in a pose that looks like a teddy bear
Bending arms or clenching fists unknowingly
Generally lacks coordination or is considered excessively clumsy
Cautious about many participating in activities requiring lots of movement
Complains about leg pain after a normal amount of activity for other children
Legs are very tight or seem to be constantly flexed
Excessive effort required to walk or stand on the flat of the foot when reminded
Treatment for Mild Cerebral Palsy
Exercises are very helpful in the treatment of mild cerebral palsy. Once diagnosed, occupational therapy and physical therapy can help children gain more functionality in movement. For toe walkers, high top shoes help force the foot flat and offer extra support to the ankle joint. If the muscle contraction caused by cerebral palsy is noticeable, but light, several oral medications like baclofen or valium can be used to help with muscle release. Botox injections into specific muscles can help temporarily weaken them for 3 to 4 months at a time. Both treatments offer only temporary results.

Hello,

I am Himusarker, 26 years old.
I have very mild CP. If you met me you wouldn't have a clue that i had any type of disability.
Mine affects my left side, with it being slightly smaller and the muscles weaker.
The only times it affects me is when getting shoes as i have one foot smaller than the other and have a weak ankle so cant wear heels.
But apart from that i can run, walk and talk etc.

I have mild cp and i was diagnosed at 10 months old. i was diagnosed after i broke my cp leg at six months, didn't feel it and when i t healed there was still something wrong.