Do Babies With Cerebral Palsy Look Different?
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects each baby differently, including how they look, move, and develop. Because CP is such a complex condition, it can cause unique symptoms and challenges for each person.
Learn about the visible changes commonly seen in babies with cerebral palsy and how to recognize signs in your own child.
Common Cerebral Palsy Symptoms in Babies
Cerebral palsy can cause a wide range of symptoms, and they’re different for every person. These symptoms may also vary depending on the type of cerebral palsy the child has.
Symptoms in babies with CP can affect motor function, balance, posture, and even aspects of their appearance.
Here are some common signs of CP in infants:
- Crossed or stiffened legs when picked up
- Delays in milestones like crawling and walking
- Inability to lift their own head
- Overextended back or neck when picked up
- Stiff or floppy muscle tone and joints
Because causes and types of cerebral palsy vary widely, a baby may exhibit all, some, or none of the common symptoms.
“My niece, Cameron, has cerebral palsy. Her childhood was difficult, with many obstacles her mother didn’t expect and wasn't sure how to navigate. She makes me want to help others affected by CP have the opportunities she's had.”
— Kristin Proctor, Cerebral Palsy Guide Registered Nurse
Learn more about the symptoms that are most likely to affect an infant’s appearance below.
3 Ways CP Can Affect a Baby’s Appearance
Cerebral palsy can appear in different ways, but these three factors are most likely to affect a baby’s appearance.
1. Head Size
One of the most typical signs of cerebral palsy that may affect the child’s appearance is differences in the size of the infant’s head.
Changes in head size are associated with opposite conditions:
- Microcephaly, where the head appears smaller than average
- Macrocephaly, where the head appears larger than average
In addition to affecting the infant’s appearance, each of these conditions comes with specific symptoms and concerns.
For example, microcephaly can include seizures, difficulty feeding, and other symptoms.
Macrocephaly can lead to issues like epilepsy, brain bleeds, or an enlarged brain, but it can sometimes occur without causing any health problems.
2. Stiff or Floppy Muscles
Differences in muscle tone can be an early sign of cerebral palsy in infants. When muscle tone is high, muscles may appear stiff or rigid. In contrast, low muscle tone can make muscles feel loose or floppy — something parents or caregivers often notice when lifting or moving their child.
Hypotonia is characterized by low muscle tone and soft, floppy muscles. Infants with hypotonia may appear weak or have difficulty supporting their head and limbs. Because their muscles lack stability, they may struggle to reach important physical milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, or crawling.
Hypertonia, on the other hand, involves abnormally high muscle tone, causing muscles to feel tight and rigid. Infants with hypertonia may have difficulty bending their arms or legs and may show stiff postures or jerky, uncoordinated movements.
While both conditions can affect an infant’s appearance, differences in muscle tone go far beyond how a child looks. Abnormal muscle tone plays a critical role in physical development and can significantly influence mobility, coordination, and motor function.
3. Facial Asymmetry in Babies
This occurs when facial features on one side of the face differ from those on the other. The condition is often associated with cerebral palsy and occurs when one side of the face is more affected, leading to differences in positioning.
Cerebral palsy often causes muscle weakness and other issues that contribute to facial asymmetry.
Visually, this can present in several different ways:
- An uneven smile, with facial features positioned differently
- One side of the face appearing lower, such as uneven eye closure
- The entire skull appearing asymmetrical, with one side drooping
Facial asymmetry can range in severity. In some cases, it affects only the child’s appearance and may not lead to developmental difficulties. It is also one of the earliest signs of cerebral palsy to appear.
How Do I Know If My Child Has Cerebral Palsy?
If you suspect your child may have cerebral palsy based on how they look, the only way to confirm is through a medical evaluation.
Diagnosis typically involves tests such as brain imaging, CT scans, and other assessments conducted by a doctor.
Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed within the first 2 years of life, but in cases with mild symptoms, diagnosis may not occur until much later.
If symptoms of cerebral palsy are not immediately visible, developmental delay may also be an indicator of cerebral palsy or another birth injury.
Get Help With Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy
Raising a child with cerebral palsy comes with both rewarding and challenging moments, but with the right support, families can create a fulfilling and joyful life.
Parents of children with cerebral palsy may be able to receive financial assistance to help cover the costs of care. Our team at Cerebral Palsy Guide helps provide families with the support they deserve.
Call (855) 220-1101 right now to see how we can help your family. There are no costs to speak with us.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
