Question
A 1.5-year-old child has not been able to speak or walk yet and lacks response to external stimuli. Could this be a symptom of pediatric cerebral palsy? What are the specific symptoms of pediatric cerebral palsy?
Answer
Pediatric cerebral palsy primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to abnormal muscle control. Common symptoms include involuntary movements resembling those of worms in the whole body or specific areas. These movements worsen during emotional excitement and alleviate during calmness. The main manifestation is increased muscle tone, particularly in flexor tone, with the adductor muscles of the lower limbs being particularly affected. The child may have difficulty with hip abduction, knees that are hard to straighten, and foot inversion due to gastrocnemius contraction. When a child shows these symptoms, it is recommended to seek professional medical assistance.