Question
My sister gave birth to a baby girl last month. When she was born, the doctor said she had jaundice and she was treated with blue light therapy. Later, she noticed that her baby is unusually quiet, sleeps a lot, vomits several times a day, and when she talks to her baby, her eyes don’t follow her gaze.
Answer
Cerebral palsy in infants typically refers to a central nervous system disorder caused by non-progressive brain damage or various reasons leading to abnormal brain development within the first month after birth. Its main characteristics include abnormal posture and muscle tone, often accompanied by muscle weakness, involuntary movements, and ataxia. Cerebral palsy may also be associated with sensory, cognitive, communication, and behavioral disorders, as well as secondary skeletal muscle abnormalities, and may trigger seizures. In rehabilitation treatment, orthotics are commonly used to restrict abnormal joint movement, improve stability, help control muscle spasms, maintain muscle length, prevent deformities, and aid in improving motor function. The best duration and type of orthotic to wear should be determined based on each child’s individual circumstances.