Cerebral palsy in infants can be very hard to detect. This type of birth injury, which results from the infant’s brain being starved of oxygen, is principally associated with effects on the muscles. Because infants are only just learning how to use their muscles at all, the symptoms of delayed development that characterize this disorder may not be readily apparent. In some cases, this may result in the disorder going undiagnosed for weeks or months after the child is delivered, though new technologies make early detection somewhat easier than in the past.

Understanding the Complexities of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Among cases of the chronic condition cerebral palsy, the ataxic form is the least common, according to the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy results from injury to the brain or spinal cord during pregnancy, birth or in very early childhood. When the cerebellum portion of the brain, which is responsible for balance and coordination, is damaged ataxic CP is often the result. People with this form of the condition have depth perception difficulties. They often have an unsteady walk, shaky hands and low muscle tone.