Question
If an premature baby at four and a half months old shows symptoms such as inability to roll over, not actively reaching for objects, lack of focus in eyes, and insensitivity to sound, could these be signs of cerebral palsy? What are the common manifestations of cerebral palsy?
Answer
The common manifestations of cerebral palsy primarily involve abnormalities in motor and cognitive functions. Specific symptoms may include: stiffness or weakness in movements, inability to lift the head, protruding limbs; developmental delays, such as learning to lift the head, sit up, and use hands later than same age children; difficulty in feeding, characterized by poor suckling and swallowing abilities, frequent spitting out of milk and food, and difficulty in closing the mouth; emotional and sleep issues, which may manifest as crying, irritability, poor sleep quality, or excessive calmness and oversleeping, as well as not smiling by three months old. These symptoms should draw the attention of parents and prompt timely seeking of professional medical advice.