Question
At 18 months old, a child has not yet demonstrated the ability to speak or walk, and lacks response to external stimuli. Could this be a sign of cerebral palsy? What symptoms do children with cerebral palsy typically exhibit?
Answer
Children with cerebral palsy may exhibit related symptoms from the early stages of the disease and may be accompanied by other symptoms. Approximately 25% to 35% of cerebral palsy patients may have epilepsy seizures, especially in cases where there has been intracranial hemorrhage, brain infection, or cerebral palsy. Epilepsy seizures may begin in the early infancy and may increase in frequency as the child grows older. The symptoms of cerebral palsy are diverse, including but not limited to the aforementioned symptoms, such as poor dental development, emotional and behavioral disorders, sensory abnormalities, and cognitive-behavioral impairments.