Question
I have recently noticed that my baby often cries at night, clenching their tiny hands, and when I lift the child to place their feet on my shoulders at around six months old, their left foot exhibits uneven stepping movements. The doctor suspects it might be cerebral palsy. How can I identify infant cerebral palsy?
Answer
Common symptoms of pediatric cerebral palsy include difficulties in feeding after birth, such as weak suckling, swallowing difficulties, and poor eating; reduced crying, decreased activity, or weak or overly quiet crying; or being fussy, restless, and easily startled. There are also motor coordination issues, asymmetry, or random movements; abnormal muscle tone, posture, and movement patterns. Early detection and treatment are crucial in the management of pediatric cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is primarily caused by brain neuron damage and necrosis due to hypoxia-ischemia before and after birth.