Cerebral Palsy: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services if your child with cerebral palsy (CP):

• Is having problems breathing.
• Chokes during feeding and you are not able to dislodge the food.

Call a doctor immediately if:

• You are pregnant and you get or suspect you have rubella or signs of some other infection; have been exposed to harmful substances, such as strong chemicals or radiation; or you have consumed alcohol or used drugs.
• Your child has a seizure for the first time.

If you have a child diagnosed with CP, call your doctor if your child has:

• A seizure (if it is the first time, call your doctor or seek care immediately).
• Constipation that is not relieved by home treatment.
• Skin irritation that is not getting better, starts to bleed or weep fluid, or causes pain.
• Feeding problems that are not relieved by home treatment, such as:
  • A pattern of coughing and choking during feeding. If food is inhaled into the lungs, it increases the risk of developing pneumonia.
  • Chewing difficulty along with weight loss or complaints of being hungry.
• Frequent accidents that threaten your child's safety.
• Other signs of complications, such as bladder control problems, bleeding gums, or an increase in joint stiffness.

Watchful Waiting

Pay attention to whether your child is reaching early developmental milestones. Report your observations to your doctor at regularly scheduled well-child visits or any time you have concerns.

Watchful waiting is not appropriate if your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and develops complications. See your child's doctor.

If you have cerebral palsy and you are pregnant, talk with a doctor about how CP can affect your pregnancy and delivery.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnose and treat people with cerebral palsy include:

• Pediatricians (some pediatricians specialize in developmental disabilities).
• Family medicine doctors.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Internists.
• Neurologists.
• Neurological surgeons.
• Physiatrists, physical medicine and rehabilitative physicians, and other doctors who specialize in therapeutic and long-term treatment issues.

Other specialists who may be involved in the care of people with CP include:

• Ophthalmologists.
• Orthopedic surgeons.
• Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses.

Other health professionals who may be involved in the care of people with CP include:

• Occupational therapists.
• Physical therapists.
• Dentists or orthodontists.
• Hearing specialists (audiologists).
• Speech therapists (speech-language pathologists).
• Registered dietitians.

Some health care clinics specialize in treating children with CP. Call your local health department for the nearest clinic in your area.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	October 14, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC