Question

What are the symptoms of pediatric cerebral palsy?

Answer

The main symptoms of pediatric cerebral palsy include the following:

  1. Delayed motor development: Infants with cerebral palsy have lower motor skills compared to normal infants of the same age, with reduced voluntary movements and difficulty in initiating movements. Mild cases may manifest as clumsy or uncoordinated limbs, while severe cases may include an inability to lift the head, roll over, sit, stand, or walk. The development of the limbs may also be affected, with movements appearing rigid, uncoordinated, and asymmetric, and abnormal movement patterns and involuntary movements may occur.
  2. Abnormal muscle tone: The muscle tone of infants with cerebral palsy may exhibit abnormal changes. One situation is increased muscle tone, which may manifest as involuntary twitching of the limbs or clenched jaws. Another situation is decreased muscle tone, which is often a transitional form for other types of cerebral palsy at specific age stages. These are common symptoms of pediatric cerebral palsy. If your baby shows similar symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor’s guidance for treatment and rehabilitation training.