Question
A parent has noticed that their ten-day-old baby has a dull gaze, does not smile when played with, and the eyes seem somewhat rigid. The parent is worried that this might be a sign of cerebral palsy. What are the manifestations of cerebral palsy in newborns under one month old?
Answer
In the first ten days after birth, a newborn’s reactions may be relatively slow, so it is difficult to diagnose cerebral palsy solely based on certain behaviors during this stage. If parents suspect their child has a health issue, it is recommended to take the child to a pediatrician for a professional examination, especially a brain MRI scan to assess brain development. If brain development is normal, there is no need to be overly concerned. It is advised to seek diagnosis and treatment from a professional hospital.