Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. Families often hear the diagnosis months or years after birth and wonder what caused it and whether earlier intervention could have changed the outcome. This guide explains what cerebral palsy is, how it is diagnosed, and what records matter when there are questions about birth trauma or delayed response in Chicago.
What cerebral palsy is (plain language)
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders caused by abnormal development or injury to the developing brain. It affects a person’s ability to move, maintain balance, and control muscles. CP can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can change over time, but CP itself does not typically get worse over a person’s lifetime.
CP can occur before birth, during birth, or shortly after birth. Many cases are not caused by a single event. Understanding the timing and the medical record is key to evaluating what happened.
Families often hear terms like hypoxic-ischemic injury, brain bleed, or stroke in medical records. Those terms point to when and how the brain was affected. A careful review can help clarify whether there was a sudden event or a longer process.
Common signs and symptoms families notice
- Delays in rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking
- Stiff or tight muscles (spasticity)
- Low muscle tone or floppy posture
- Unusual walking patterns (toe walking or scissoring)
- Difficulty with fine motor skills or feeding
Some children have additional conditions such as seizures, vision or hearing issues, or speech delays. The diagnosis and care plan depend on the full clinical picture.
If you notice early hand preference before 12 months or a baby who uses one side much more than the other, mention it to your pediatrician. Early findings help guide referrals.
When CP is related to birth trauma vs. other causes
CP is caused by a problem in the developing brain. That can happen before birth, during labor and delivery, or shortly after birth. Birth-related causes may include severe oxygen loss, brain bleeding, or other acute events. In other cases, CP is linked to genetic factors, infection, or complications during pregnancy.
It is important not to assume CP always results from a delivery mistake. The medical record is needed to understand the timing and whether an acute event occurred during labor or newborn care.
Many families want to know whether a rapid decline happened during labor. Fetal monitoring strips, Apgar scores, and newborn blood gases can help answer that question. These records show how the baby responded in the minutes around birth.
How imaging findings can point to timing
Brain imaging can show patterns that suggest when the injury occurred. Some patterns are more consistent with earlier pregnancy events, while others suggest a more acute event near the time of delivery. A pediatric neurologist or neuroradiologist can help interpret these findings in context.
Ask for the imaging report and, if possible, the actual images on a CD or portal download. Having the full report helps a reviewing specialist explain the timeline more clearly.
How doctors diagnose cerebral palsy
CP is usually diagnosed based on developmental milestones, physical exams, and imaging. Doctors often use MRI or other brain imaging to look for signs of injury. A developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or specialist team may be involved.
If your child has not yet been diagnosed but you are concerned, ask your pediatrician for a referral to a specialist. Early diagnosis can open the door to therapy and support.
Some families are told to wait and see. If you are worried, it is reasonable to ask for an early evaluation, especially if your child was in the NICU or had a difficult delivery.
Records that matter in a CP review
If you are reviewing whether birth events contributed to CP, the medical record should include:
- Prenatal records and any documented risk factors
- Fetal monitoring strips or summaries
- Labor and delivery notes
- Apgar scores and newborn resuscitation notes
- NICU records and imaging reports
- Newborn blood gas results (if obtained)
- Pediatric developmental records and therapy notes
Request the full chart, not just a discharge summary. Timing details often appear in nursing notes and resuscitation logs.
Also request any placental pathology reports if they were completed. These can provide clues about infection or reduced blood flow during pregnancy.
If the baby had seizures or cooling therapy, request those records as well. They can indicate the severity of early brain injury and the timing of treatment.
If you have videos from early infancy that show movement patterns, keep them. They can help specialists compare early symptoms with later findings.
Ask for nursing flow sheets and respiratory therapy notes if they exist. These details can show the exact timing of oxygen support and resuscitation steps.
How to build a clear timeline
Create a timeline that includes key time points:
- When labor began and when complications were first noted
- Any fetal heart rate changes and when they occurred
- Time of delivery and initial newborn condition
- When resuscitation or NICU care started
- Any imaging findings and the date of diagnosis
A clear timeline helps experts evaluate whether the injury likely happened before, during, or after birth.
If your child had newborn imaging, ask for the radiology report and the exact date of the scan. Early imaging can help identify the timing of injury.
Include any infections, fevers, or hospital readmissions in the first weeks of life. These details can be important for understanding brain injury timing.
Chicago-specific context and specialist care
Chicago has hospitals with different NICU levels and access to pediatric neurology. If your child was transferred to a higher-level NICU, request records from both hospitals and the transport team. Transfer notes often include oxygen levels, resuscitation steps, and early imaging results.
If you later saw specialists at a different hospital or clinic, ask for those records too. A complete file helps ensure an accurate review.
Chicago also has a wide range of therapy providers. Ask for a written referral list and keep those referrals with your records.
If you are switching providers, bring a one-page summary of your child’s diagnosis, current therapies, and medications. It can speed up the intake process.
Treatment and long-term support
There is no cure for CP, but many treatments can help improve movement and daily function. Care plans often include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and sometimes medications or surgery. The right plan depends on the child’s needs and how symptoms change over time.
Ask your care team for a written plan with goals and follow-up timing. Ongoing therapy notes can show progress and help adjust treatment.
If your child uses adaptive equipment, keep a list of the device type, fitting date, and follow-up schedule. It helps coordinate care with therapists and specialists.
Families often benefit from connecting with a care coordinator or social worker who can help navigate therapy services and insurance coverage.
Early Intervention in Illinois
Illinois Early Intervention provides evaluation and therapy for children from birth to age three with delays or conditions that can cause delays. If you have concerns about development, ask your pediatrician for a referral. Early services can make a meaningful difference.
Keep copies of evaluations, therapy notes, and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) documents. These records help track progress and support future care.
If your child is older than three, ask about school-based services and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Planning early helps avoid gaps in support.
Ask your care team which therapies are most important right now and how often they should occur. A clear schedule helps families stay organized.
If your child qualifies for services through more than one program, ask how the services coordinate. Coordinated care prevents overlap and gaps.
What to say (and not say) to insurers
- Do keep statements brief and factual.
- Do not guess about timing or cause.
- Do not sign broad releases before you understand what they cover.
- Do say you are gathering records and will respond after review.
If an insurer asks for a recorded statement, it is reasonable to ask for time to review records first.
Practical next steps for families
Organize records: Keep prenatal, delivery, NICU, and therapy records in separate sections. Label items by date.
Track symptoms: Note changes in muscle tone, feeding issues, or movement milestones and share them with your pediatrician.
Ask clear questions: When did the care team first notice concerns? What imaging findings support the diagnosis? What therapies should start now?
Plan follow up visits: Confirm the timing of the next specialist visit and any therapy evaluations.
Keep a simple care log: Write down therapy visits, medication changes, and new symptoms. This helps you and your care team track progress.
Ask about equipment coverage: If braces, walkers, or wheelchairs are recommended, ask how to request insurance approval and what documentation is needed.
Claim timeline: what to expect
Month 1-3: Record requests, early therapy evaluations, and specialist consultations.
Months 4-6: Imaging review and clearer understanding of long-term needs.
Months 6-12: Ongoing care plan, therapy progression, and updated milestones.
Longer cases: Some cases require extended monitoring and expert review before conclusions are reached.
Ongoing: Annual reviews help update therapy goals and adjust equipment as your child grows.
Long-term: Many families update care plans during school transitions to ensure therapies and accommodations stay in place.
FAQ
Does a CP diagnosis mean there was a birth error?
Not necessarily. CP can result from events before birth, during delivery, or after birth. The medical record is needed to understand the timing.
Can CP get worse over time?
CP itself is not progressive, but symptoms can change as a child grows. Ongoing therapy can help with function and comfort.
How soon should we request records?
As soon as possible. Early access helps you understand the timeline and coordinate care.
When to talk to a lawyer
If your child has a CP diagnosis and you have questions about labor, delivery, or newborn care, a lawyer can help obtain records and connect you with medical experts for review. Early review helps preserve evidence and clarify options.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and you should consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.