Paediatrician shares crucial early signs of cerebral palsy for timely diagnosis in children

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common physical disabilities in childhood, resulting from brain injury or abnormal brain development before, during, or shortly after birth. Dr Suresh Shah, founder and lead paediatrician at Sparsh Children's Hospital, states that while the brain injury does not get worse over time, therapy started within the first two years of life makes a major difference because the brain is at its most adaptable. Many children in India are diagnosed at two or three years of age, which misses this valuable window.

Early Signs by Age

In the first six months, warning signs include a head that flops backwards when lifted, unusual body stiffness or floppiness, strong back and neck arching when held, legs that stiffen and cross like scissors, persistent feeding trouble, and hands staying tightly fisted past three to four months. Between six and ten months, red flags are not rolling over, inability to bring hands together, and using one hand while the other stays fisted. A clear hand preference before one year of age can point to weakness on the other side. After ten months, signs include a lopsided crawl, scooting on the bottom, hopping on knees, not sitting independently by nine months, not standing with support by twelve months, walking only on toes, or not walking by eighteen months.

High-Risk Infants

Certain babies face higher risks and need close monitoring even if they seem well at hospital discharge. These include premature babies, low birth-weight infants, those needing NICU care, ventilation, or resuscitation at birth, and newborns who experienced seizures, severe jaundice, or brain infections, along with twins, triplets, and babies whose mothers had infections during pregnancy. Dr Shah notes that high-risk babies can often be identified between three and six months so therapy can begin early. Preventive measures include good antenatal care, delivery in equipped facilities, prompt treatment of newborn jaundice and infections, and completing rubella vaccination before pregnancy.

Context

Cerebral palsy affects movement, muscle tone, and posture, making early intervention critical for long-term development. Medical professionals stress that consistent developmental delays or stiffness warrant prompt evaluation rather than waiting for children to grow out of it.