What tests should I do if I suspect my child has cerebral palsy?

  Once parents find out that their child has symptoms of cerebral palsy, they should take their child to a professional doctor for further examination early to make a definite diagnosis. Generally, parents should take their child to a pediatric rehabilitation unit or a neurology unit that specializes in the treatment of cerebral palsy. The usual tests include history taking, cranial MRI, brainstem auditory evoked potentials, physical examination and rehabilitation evaluation.  Electroencephalography (EEG): About 80% of children with cerebral palsy have abnormal brain waves, with a high rate of abnormal EEG in hemiplegia. It may also be normal or may show abnormal background activity. Those with epileptic discharge waves should be aware of the possibility of combined epilepsy.  ②Evoked potentials: visual and auditory evoked potentials can be given to those with visual impairment or hearing impairment, respectively.  ③Electromyography: to understand the functional status of muscles and nerves. If possible, this test should be performed in children with cerebral palsy combined with myasthenia gravis.  ④Cephalometric CT and MRI: The examination of cephalometric CT and MRI will show abnormalities in 1/2-2/3 of children with cerebral palsy, but the normal ones cannot negate the diagnosis of this disease. Cerebral atrophy, external hydrocephalus, cerebral softening or cerebral penetration malformation can be found in most patients with cerebral palsy.  ⑤ Thyroid function, blood and urine tandem mass spectrometry, etc.  ⑥ Clinical performance scale assessment: assessment of motor dysfunction, assessment of specific sensory impairment, assessment of speech function, assessment of intelligence, and assessment of the ability to perform daily living scale (ADL).