Preparing questions in advance can help patients and parents have more meaningful discussions with healthcare professionals regarding their or their child's treatment options. The following questions related to cerebral palsy (CP) may be helpful:

1. What should I do if I suspect my baby may have CP?
   
   
2. What tests will my baby have to undergo to determine if he or she has CP?
   
   
3. What are the risks associated with the various tests?
   
   
4. Which type of CP does my child have?
   
   
5. What caused my child’s CP?
   
   
6. When will we know for certain if mental retardation accompanies my child’s condition?
   
   
7. How long will my child need physical, occupational or speech therapy?
   
   
8. Does my child require special braces and other orthopedic appliances? How long will he or she have to wear these appliances?
   
   
9. Will my child require surgery? How many operations do you anticipate he or she will need?
   
   
10. What are the chances that my child can lead a normal, independent life in adulthood? Will he or she be able to have children of their own?