At what age do signs of cerebral palsy typically become noticeable?

Signs of cerebral palsy typically become noticeable around 12 months of age. During the first year of life, infants go through various developmental milestones, including motor skills such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and eventually standing or walking.

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Children with cerebral palsy may show delays in reaching these milestones or may exhibit unusual muscle tone, such as being excessively stiff or floppy. Around the 12-month mark, it becomes more apparent if a child is not meeting these key developmental milestones or is displaying atypical movement patterns.

While there can be subtle indications of cerebral palsy as early as 3 or 6 months, such as abnormal reflexes or lack of movement, these signs can sometimes be vague or attributed to other issues. By 12 months, the differences in development are more pronounced, making it a critical age for identification and diagnosis. The effects of cerebral palsy can also become clearer as the child attempts to stand, walk, or interact with their environment, leading clinicians to make a more definitive diagnosis based on observable behaviors and developmental delays at this age.