Patient's question:
When a baby is just born, they rarely cry. They don't have much strength when drinking milk. They usually clench their fists. Their gaze is vacant. When held, they don't understand. They keep tilting their heads up. They also don't smile. They don't follow objects with their eyes. When taken to the hospital for a check-up, the doctor said the baby had cerebral palsy. What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy in a two-month-old infant?Doctor's answer:
Hello. Cerebral palsy does not show obvious symptoms in the early stage. It gradually manifests as the child grows. For example, at 3 months, the child cannot lift their head or chest when lying prone; at 4 months, the hands do not open; they remain in a clenched fist position. When sitting, the head cannot be held upright; between 4-5 months, the child cannot roll over and cannot reach out to grab things; between 5-6 months, the child cannot sit. When sitting, the posture is not as natural as that of a typical child. At 6-7 months, when holding the child upright to stand, the legs cross. At 8-9 months, the child cannot crawl, etc. These indicate developmental delays. Additionally, muscle tone is increased, and the limbs are slightly stiff. The head tends to tilt backward. After 6 months, there may still be a startle reflex. These are all early signs of cerebral palsy. Main manifestations: 1. Lack of flexibility in motor development. At 4-5 months, the child cannot roll over. At 9-10 months, the child cannot crawl. Abnormal muscle tone and posture. Muscle tone is not normal. The sitting and crawling positions differ from those of typical children.