Question
My nephew has been born almost two months ago, but he is different from other children. He can’t suckle milk, and his hands are always tightly clenched into fists. I’ve heard that this might be cerebral palsy. What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?
Answer
Cerebral palsy is a central motor and posture development disorder caused by non-progressive injuries to the fetal or infant brain during the process of brain development. Early symptoms usually manifest as motor delay or abnormalities. For example, the ability to lift the head, sit, stand, and walk may be delayed compared to children of the same age. Abnormal muscle tone can vary depending on the clinical type of the patient, possibly presenting as increased or decreased muscle tone, with limbs appearing soft. Due to the effects of abnormal muscle tone and the disappearance of primitive reflexes, cerebral palsy infants may early on exhibit various abnormal postures, such as supine, prone, and upright positions.