Patient's question:
The baby is 12 months old and a premature infant. Recently, I've noticed that he still can't roll over, and his crying voice is low, not as loud as other children's. He often doesn't like to sleep and prefers to stay awake. I've also noticed some coordination issues in his movements. I'm wondering if this could be a symptom of cerebral palsy.Doctor's answer:
1. Central motor disorders are characterized by delayed motor development, with children significantly lagging behind their peers. Parents often only notice the condition when the child struggles with (tipping the head up), (rolling over), or sitting up. The child's limbs rarely move, especially the lower limbs, often (hemiplegia), (bilateral plegia), or (quadriplegia). Due to difficulties in voluntary movement, the movements are stiff, uncoordinated, and often exhibit abnormal motor patterns.2. Abnormal muscle tone and posture are observed when there are lesions in the extrapyramidal system or basal ganglia, primarily manifesting as abnormal movements, increased motor tone, athetosis, chorea, or muscle rigidity. When the cerebellum is affected, ataxia and hypotonia may occur. In cases of widespread brain lesions, muscle rigidity and tremors may be present.