Question
The newborn has not yet learned to sit or stand, tilts their head back, has a vacant gaze, dislikes smiling, and often clenches their fists. Feeding is weak, and they have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy by the hospital. What symptoms might a child with cerebral palsy have?
Answer
Children with cerebral palsy tend to lag behind in development compared to their peers, such as overall weakness or stiffness in the limbs; they may be easily startled, have an arching back, excessive or insufficient movement. During feeding, there is weak suckling, difficulty swallowing, or frequent choking and vomiting; the lips do not close tightly, crying is faint or loud and piercing. By 2 to 3 months, they may not smile or lift their head, continue to cry, and their fingers remain clenched. By 4 to 5 months, they still cannot roll over. Softness in the body and a decrease in spontaneous movement are symptoms of low muscle tone. If these persist for more than 4 months, it may indicate severe brain damage, intellectual disability, or muscle system disease.