Over the years , doctors have developed a great deal of knowledge about cerebral palsy. Still, diagnosing cerebral palsy can be difficult and time-consuming. Moreover, no cure yet exists for the condition. Instead, once cerebral palsy is diagnosed, treatment is tailored to each individual's needs to help the patient live as productively as possible.

No Blood Test

Diagnosing cerebral palsy is an inexact process. There is, for example, no blood test for cerebral palsy, and even the most sophisticated devices, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanners, cannot detect the damaged cells that cause symptoms. Instead, when cerebral palsy is suspected, doctors must examine patients and question parents to see if they have noted any delays in the child's expected development. Doctors also check the child's muscles to see if they feel stiff and tight or loose and...