Question
What are the key early clinical signs of cerebral palsy?
Answer
Pediatric therapists play a crucial role in identifying clinical red flags for CP, particularly in children without a history of NICU care. These warning signs, often highlighted during therapy sessions, include persistent asymmetries or early hand preferences before 12 months, abnormal tone (such as stiffness or tightness), and delays in achieving milestones, such as head control or sitting. Once these signs are identified, therapists have the responsibility to initiate a prompt referral to specialists. An ideal referral pathway should include neurology or a physiatrist for official diagnosis, and may also involve a high-risk infant follow-up clinic.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Early Detection Of Cerebral Palsy: Best Practices And The Role Of Therapy Providers, presented by Maria Baldino, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCP, Lindsay Moore, PT, DPT, PCS.
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