Version July 2025
CP: cerebral palsy; CT: computed tomography; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging.
* Congenital infections associated with an elevated risk of CP include toxoplasmosis, syphilis, Zika virus, varicella-zoster, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex.
¶ Perinatal imaging performed for children with early neurologic symptoms may be repeated if initial imaging is nondiagnostic. Imaging for children with mild, nonprogressive symptoms may be delayed until two years of age to permit early brain development and increase diagnostic yield.
Δ Metabolic testing typically includes electrolytes, glucose, creatine kinase, ammonia, lactate, pyruvate, amino acid analysis, urinalysis, and urine organic acid analysis. Additional testing may be warranted based on clinical features or results of initial test results. Refer to UpToDate topics on inborn errors of metabolism for additional information.
◊ Specific genetic testing options vary by individual clinical features and include targeted gene panels, exome sequencing, or whole-genome sequencing.