Question
My child has recently shown a lack of appetite, with hands clenched into fists and turned backward, excessive sleepiness, and a faint crying sound. They rarely cry and prefer to keep their heads down even when they can lift them. Are these symptoms indicative of cerebral palsy?
Answer
Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive brain injury or brain developmental abnormality that occurs before or within the first month after birth due to various reasons, leading to central nervous system motor disorders. The causes of cerebral palsy are diverse, including genetic and chromosomal diseases, congenital infections, brain developmental anomalies or malformations, and fetal brain ischemia and hypoxia leading to periventricular leukomalacia or basal ganglia damage. If your child exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a professional doctor. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy requires professional medical examinations and assessments, including but not limited to neurological examinations and imaging studies. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving the prognosis and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.