The evaluation of cerebral palsy begins with a medical history and physical examination.

In most cases, the diagnosis of cerebral palsy is difficult to make prior to six months of age.

Physical findings in an infant with cerebral palsy include:

• Delayed motor skills
• Infant reflexes are present past the age they should normally be absent:
• Startle reflex
• Sucking reflex
• Muscle spasms may be present.

Tests are usually necessary to exclude other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Tests that may be used to evaluate cerebral palsy include:

• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile
• Urinalysis
• EEG
• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scan of the brain
• Lumbar puncture: