Abstract

ROBAINA CASTELLANOS, Gerardo R.; RIESGO RODRIGUEZ, Solangel de la C.  and  ROBAINA CASTELLANOS, Martha S.. Diagnostic evaluation of cerebral palsy in the child. Rev Cubana Pediatr [online]. 2007, vol.79, n.2. ISSN 0034-7531.

Cerebral palsy is the most frequent physical disability in childhood. In spite of this, it is often difficult to diagnose it. An updating on the diagnostic evaluation of the child with cerebral palsy was provided in this paper. The diagnosis is essentially clinical, which comprises a detailed description of risk factors and the psychomotor development of the affected child in addition to a neuromotor exam. The application of a series of instruments to determine the level of functional limitation and associated disturbances is required. Among the supplementary tests, neuroimaging is the most important to search for likely causes and to determine the moment of cerebral injure. Other tests (electroencephalogram, genetic, metabolic and coagulation studies, etc) have specific indications. For a comprehensive assessment of these children, the participation of many medical, psychoeducational and social specialties is required.

Keywords : cerebral palsy in childhood; diagnosis; etiology; neurological exam; neuroimage.

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