Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination, typically stemming from brain changes occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. While often diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, some individuals may wonder if it is possible to receive a diagnosis later in life.
Yes, a Later Diagnosis is Possible
While cerebral palsy originates from brain damage that occurs early in life, a formal diagnosis can indeed happen in adulthood. This often occurs when symptoms are very mild and were not recognized during childhood. A previous misdiagnosis or a lack of access to adequate diagnostic resources during formative years can also contribute to a delayed diagnosis. The underlying brain injury does not develop or worsen over time; rather, the symptoms may become more pronounced or noticeable as an individual ages and their body experiences increased demands.
Signs and Symptoms in Adults
Adults diagnosed with cerebral palsy later in life may experience neurological and motor signs that become more apparent with age. These symptoms, often subtle in childhood, can intensify due to increased physical demands, aging, or secondary complications like arthritis.
Common manifestations include issues with balance and coordination, such as an unsteady gait or difficulty maintaining posture. Muscle stiffness, known as spasticity, and involuntary movements, like tremors or writhing, are also frequently observed. Adults may also notice challenges with fine motor skills, muscle weakness, or difficulty with swallowing. Fatigue is a common symptom as the body expends more energy to accomplish everyday movements.
How Doctors Diagnose CP in Adulthood
Diagnosing cerebral palsy in adults involves a thorough process to confirm the condition and rule out other possibilities. A doctor will typically begin by taking a comprehensive medical history, paying close attention to developmental milestones from early childhood, such such as when walking or talking began. This retrospective analysis is a distinguishing factor from childhood diagnoses.
A comprehensive neurological examination will also be performed to assess motor skills, muscle tone, reflexes, balance, and coordination. Imaging tests, such as an MRI of the head, are often utilized to look for brain abnormalities consistent with the early brain injury that causes CP. Specialists like neurologists or rehabilitation physicians frequently play a role in this diagnostic evaluation.
Distinguishing from Other Conditions
Differentiating cerebral palsy from other neurological conditions is crucial in adult diagnosis, as many disorders can present with similar motor or balance issues. Medical professionals will work to distinguish CP from progressive neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease, or conditions resulting from a stroke. A key distinguishing factor is that cerebral palsy is a non-progressive condition, meaning the underlying brain damage does not worsen over time, unlike many other neurological disorders. A thorough diagnostic workup, including medical history, neurological examination, and imaging, helps rule out other causes and confirm symptoms stem from a non-progressive brain injury sustained early in life.