Question
My baby is almost one year old but hasn’t learned to speak or walk. What could be the reason? What are the early symptoms of cerebral palsy?
Answer
Early symptoms of cerebral palsy include: (1) The baby may cry less, move less, or have a soft cry, or may cry more, be easily excited, and startled; (2) The baby may have problems such as weak suckling and difficulty swallowing during feeding; (3) Incoordination, asymmetry, and limited random movement; (4) Commonly seen are overly tense muscles, abnormal posture, and movement patterns; (5) Delayed motor development, such as a baby who cannot lift their head at 3 to 4 months old, cannot support with their forearms after 4 months, or has a clenched fist. When you notice these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive professional evaluation and assistance.