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Cerebral Palsy Testing Overview:

In order to gauge your current state of health, our clinic will often request copies of your last two years of medical testing and will often recommend further testing as needed.  Our clinic does request some testing that is and not commonly performed in more "mainstream" medical clinics.  24-hour heavy metal testing with provoking agent, neurotransmitter analysis, food sensitivity testing, comprehensive stool testing and

Candida antigen testing are commonly recommended by our medical staff.   Some of these are discussed in detail in the links in this section.

What to Expect on Your First Visit:

First office visits typically last 45-60 minutes.  Your doctor will review your intake form with you and gather a detailed medical history.  A partial physical exam is usually performed and medical records are often requested from your primary care physician and/or other doctors.  Specialty laboratory testing may be recommended.  Most clients are offered an initial protocol consisting of nutritional supplementation, dietary and life style recommendations.

First Visit: Blood Test

To assess and identify kidney, liver, blood sugar and other key factors such as blood cholesterols. The results are explained to the patient, giving him/her a fuller understanding of the blood chemistry, so that they may take control.

Patients are required to fast for 14 hours before the test. Water may be drunk freely, but not tea, coffee, juices or other beverages. Appointments are normally arranged for mid-morning so that food and drink can be consumed up to 8pm the previous evening. On the day of the appointment, any prescribed medication should be taken with water as normal.

Patients are recommended to bring food to eat after the blood sample has been taken. Diabetics should advise the clinic, and separate arrangements will be made.

First Visit: Urine Analysis

To establish exactly how the kidneys are functioning. Patients are required to collect urine over a period of 24 hours. This should be as near the date of the blood test as possible, but must not include the 14 hours fasting period prior to the appointment.

A recommended timetable is that the first urine of the day should be excluded, than all subsequent urine for the next 24 hours collected in clean plastic containers. (If collection starts at 8am, this process must be followed until 8am the following day.) Eg. Appointment 10am Friday, fasting commences Thursday 8pm. Urine collection starts Wednesday 8am. until Thursday 8am.

Containers should be clearly labeled with the patient's names and brought to the clinic at the time of their appointment.

First Visit: Resting ECG for Doctors Report

The electrocardiograph (ECG) determines the condition of the heart and measures its actions and the pulse.

The doctor in charge reports any findings in his medical notes.

Specific Cerebral Palsy Testing:

The term "cerebral palsy" is not a specific diagnosis, but is now generally applied to children who experience some form of brain trauma either at the time of birth or shortly before. Typically, these children manifest some degree of cognitive impairment as well as physical impairment, often with weakness and spasticity of arms and legs.  In most cases, cerebral palsy is diagnosed by the age of 1.

A. Neurological Examination (Cerebral Palsy)

What is the Neurological Examination for Cerebral Palsy?

A neurological examination is a noninvasive procedure that evaluates a child's intelligence, motor system, sensory system, reflexes, coordination, grip and muscle tone through physical and intelligence tests.

Indications and Contraindications

A neurological examination is done to patients when conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer's Disease, ADD-ADHD, neurological trauma, psychological diseases, and memory loss is suspected. 

How do you prepare for a Neurological Examination?

There are no special preparations required for a neurological examination.

How does it feel? How long will it take?

A neurological examination may take approximately 1-2 hours to be completed.

The doctor will be conducting an observation of the patient that will check for development, motor skills, muscle tone, posture, reflexes, and intelligence.

Effects after the test:

There are no side-effects to a neurological examination. Depending on the patient's mental and physical health, the patient may feel exhausted from the tests by the end of the neurological examination.

Interpretations of Results:

Normal Findings: All tested functions are found within the normal range

Signs that brain damage is present and is suggestive of cerebral palsy are:

• Evidence of abnormalities in posture
• Abnormalities in reflexes
• Developmental delay
• Motor dysfunctions- lack of coordination and balance, slow movement, trembling, asymmetries of movement
• Weak senses
• Muscle tone changes

B. Computed Tomography Scan of the Brain (CT Scan)

Diagnosis of cerebral palsy involves ruling out other brain disorders by using other specialized testing such as a Computed Tomography Scan.

What is the Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)?

A Computed Tomography Scan is a procedure done that uses tomography x-ray films and computers to generate images of the brain for evaluation and diagnosis.

Indications and Contraindications

A CT scan is used to rule out brain disorders such as brain tumors, abscess, hematomas, aneurysm, hydrocephalus, bleeding and headaches. This test is also indicated to rule out CNS disease such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's disease.

This test is may not be performed to patients who have the following conditions:

• Allergic reactions to dye or iodine
• Pregnancy
• Unstable vital signs

How do you prepare for the Computerized Tomography Scan (CT Scan)?

• Avoid eating for 4 hours prior to your scheduled CT Scan if you will be administered a contrast material. No fasting is needed if contrast material will not be used for the CT scan. 
• Inform your physician if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medications. Follow your physician's orders regarding intake of these medications before the test.
• Wear comfortable clothing to the exam. In some cases, you may be given a hospital gown to use during the test. Jewelry, dentures, wigs, clips, and hairpins must be removed before the test begins. 

How does it feel? How long will it take?

The CT scan is a painless procedure that usually takes 15 minutes to an hour. A contrast material may be used for the CT scan. It can be administered orally or injected intravenously. If injected, you may feel a slight prick or tingling sensation as the contrast material is injected in to your veins.

You will be asked to lie down still and to hold your breath during the scan. If you are claustrophobic or having problems of staying still, a CT scan may cause you some discomfort during the test. If this is the case, you may be given light sedation that can help you relax. Children who also have problems keeping still may be given a light sedative.

Expected effects after the test:

Itching, flushing and a bitter metallic taste are the possible temporary effects of the procedure. These side effects only last for a few minutes. You may also experience an allergic reaction to the contrast material used for the CT scan.

Special instructions after the test:

Have a responsible adult drive you home after the procedure. It is necessary that you avoid driving at least an hour after the procedure if you were given a contrast material and if you were given sedatives for the procedure. For the next 24 hours, drink water frequently to expel the dye out of your body. Notify your physician if a delayed allergic reaction occurs and follow the treatment recommended.

Interpretation of Results:

Normal Findings:

• There is no evidence of a disease in the x-ray images from the CT scan.
• Normal results illustrate the absence of foreign materials, growth, bleeding and build-up in the brain, blood vessels and skull.

Abnormal Findings:

• Presence of foreign objects such as glass and other fragments can be seen through the CT scan.
• Fluid-filled ventricles- hydrocephalus
• Presence of tumors (benign and malignant)
• Cerebral infarction
• Ventricular displacement and enlargement
• Cerebral aneurysm
• Brain infection and abscess
• Stroke
• Bleeding and swelling

Notes:

Inform your doctor of your current medical conditions such as asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Strictly follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Usually, breastfeeding can only be resumed 2 days after the procedure to avoid passing of the dye to your child

CT scanners have a maximum weight limit. CT scanners cannot support over 300 pounds of weight

The Right Diagnosis and Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Once the comprehensive review is completed for each patient, our doctors and our team of medical professionals will evaluate your diagnosis. At this point, our doctors will spend one on one time with you to interpret and explain your results. Together you will explore your goals and discuss your treatment plan options. These treatment plans can be implemented using multiple modalities such as medications, hormones, diet, supplements, behavior and lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. Our doctors will prescribe a preventative and comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and fits into your lifestyle.

Patients Medical's Personal Approach to Cerebral Palsy

Our doctors and our team at Patients Medical will regularly monitor your progress and track the effectiveness of your program making adjustments if necessary. Our goal is to support you and advise you every step of the way.

We work in conjunction with your existing doctors. Any gaps between specialists are filled to ensure we support your overall health and well-being. While we treat serious medical conditions such as Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, anxiety, depression, and heart disease; the primary objective of our staff is prevention and early detection of disease.

We are located at: Patients Medical PC, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 900 (Between 42nd & 43rd Street), Manhattan, NYC, New York, NY 10017.