Abstract
ABSTRACTAbnormal general movements are among the most reliable markers for cerebral palsy. General movements are part of the spontaneous motor repertoire and are present from early fetal life until the end of the first half year after term. In addition to its high sensitivity (98%) and specificity (91%), the assessment of general movements is non-invasive and time- and cost-efficient. It is therefore ideal for assessing the integrity of the young nervous system, most notably in lowresource settings. Studies on the general movements assessment in low- and middle-income countries such as China, India, Iran, or South Africa are still rare but increasing. In Brazil, too, researchers have demonstrated that the evaluation of general movements adds to the functional assessment of the young nervous system. Applying general movements assessment in vulnerable populations in Brazil is therefore highly recommended.
Highlights
One of the most challenging tasks for medical practitioners is to identify specific risk factors in early infancy and to reliably predict impairment that manifests later in life
In Brazil, too, researchers have demonstrated that the evaluation of general movements adds to the functional assessment of the young nervous system
Fetuses and young infants display a large repertoire of spontaneous movements such as stretching, yawning, twitching, and a specific motor pattern commonly known as general movements (GM)
Summary
One of the most challenging tasks for medical practitioners is to identify specific risk factors in early infancy and to reliably predict impairment that manifests later in life. As CP affects a number of functional and medical domains, it poses various challenges to affected children, their families, and healthcare, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), according to the World Bank country classification[48]. There is increasing evidence for the importance of early intervention in children with motor delays. Due to its high predictive value (sensitivity 98% [95%CI 74–100]; specificity 91% [95%CI 83–93])[4], it is used by an ever-increasing number of health professionals around the world for early identification of infants with a high risk for CP4,14
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