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Cerebral palsy — DCH MCQ

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HardDevelopmentCerebral palsyDCH

A 9-month-old girl uses one hand consistently to reach for toys and keeps the other fist closed. Birth was complicated by neonatal seizures; current examination shows increased tone on the left. What is the most important red flag?

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Correct answer: E — Early hand preference with asymmetrical tone

Hand preference before about 12 months can indicate unilateral motor impairment, especially with asymmetrical tone and a history of neonatal seizures. Normal infant behaviours such as finger feeding or night waking do not carry the same significance. The pearl is that early handedness is not reassuring in infancy.

Reference: NICE NG62