Table 1

Red flags in the history and examination that should prompt the consideration of another diagnosis

History
 No risk factors for CP such as: prematurity, low birthweight, multiple births, hypoglycemia, jaundice and kernicterus, intrapartum asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, infection, stroke, or head injuries
 Positive family history of CP
 Fluctuation in motor symptoms
 Paroxysmal symptoms in relation to time of day, diet/fasting, or activity
 Progressive neurological symptoms
 Regression of milestones
Examination
 Dysmorphic features
 Isolated motor dysfunction such as isolated ataxia or isolated hypotonia without dystonia or spasticity
 Peripheral nervous system abnormalities: absent reflexes, sensory signs
 Eye movement abnormalities (e.g., oculogyria, oculomotor apraxia, or paroxysmal saccadic eye-head movements)
 Optic atrophy/retinopathy
  • CP- cerebral palsy