Question
What are the symptoms of pediatric cerebral palsy?
Answer
The clinical manifestations of pediatric cerebral palsy can vary depending on the location of the lesion and among individuals, presenting a complex and diverse range of symptoms. Here’s a general overview:
- Delayed motor development and reduced spontaneous movement: The hallmark of cerebral palsy is varying degrees of delayed motor development, such as lifting the head, sitting up, crawling, standing, and walking. Normal motor progress is slow; even the grasping actions of a normal child are not possible. Hemiplegic cerebral palsy often manifests as decreased activity in the affected side. The limbs of affected children are rarely active, particularly evident in the lower limbs, often presenting with hemiplegia, bilateral paralysis, or quadriplegia. Due to difficulties with spontaneous movement, there is often rigidity and uncoordination, and abnormal movement patterns may occur. Hypotonia type is characterized by flaccidity and excessive calmness.