Question
My friend’s son is 41 days old today. A few days ago, he could briefly lift his head while lying on his stomach, and now he can lift his head for 1 to 2 minutes. Now, when I hold him upright, he prefers to tilt his head back instead of lying on my shoulder. Someone said this is a sign of “opisthotonos,” which is one of the symptoms of cerebral palsy. Is this true?
Answer
The symptoms of neonatal cerebral palsy include the following aspects: difficulty in breastfeeding, such as the child not suckling after feeding, weak suckling, or refusing milk and feeling tired after suckling; excessive crying or persistent crying; less spontaneous movement, low muscle tone, and overall weakness; rigidity, strong body, increased muscle tension, often pulling out from sputum, backward bending of the head, sometimes tilting the head to one side, and straightened lower limbs; and expressions of surprise, convulsions, screaming, or restlessness; and abnormal postures such as adduction, internal rotation, and clenched fists. The above are suggestions for “What are the symptoms of neonatal cerebral palsy.” I hope this helps you. Wishing you health!