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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Baby Cerebral Palsy Quiz: How Much Do You Know?

Quick, free signs of cerebral palsy quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Mateus FolqueUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style child figure with puzzle pieces on dark blue background for cerebral palsy signs quiz

This quiz helps you understand common early signs of cerebral palsy in babies and toddlers and note questions to discuss with your pediatrician. It is educational only and not a diagnosis, with instant feedback after each answer. If you are exploring related concerns, you might also take our sensory processing disorder quiz or try the dyspraxia quiz.

What is the most common cause of cerebral palsy?
Prenatal lack of oxygen to the developing brain
Genetic mutation in muscle cells
Viral infection in late childhood
Head trauma during adolescence
The majority of cerebral palsy cases result from prenatal hypoxic-ischemic events that damage the developing brain. This lack of oxygen before or during birth is the single largest risk factor. Early identification of such events can guide monitoring and intervention strategies.
Which of the following is a common early sign of cerebral palsy in infants?
Delayed motor milestones
Advanced speech development
Rapid weight gain
Early tooth eruption
Infants with cerebral palsy often show delayed rolling, sitting, or crawling compared to typical developmental timelines. Caregivers may notice persistent stiffness or floppiness as well. Early detection of motor delays is crucial for timely therapy.
What does the abbreviation 'CP' stand for in a medical context?
Cerebral palsy
Cellular proliferation
Cardiovascular pressure
Chronic pneumonia
In pediatrics and neurology, 'CP' universally refers to cerebral palsy, a non-progressive motor disorder caused by injury to the developing brain. Recognizing the acronym helps in understanding related assessments and treatments.
At what age is cerebral palsy most often diagnosed?
At school entry age
At birth
During adolescence
By the second birthday
Cerebral palsy is frequently identified by 18 - 24 months when motor milestones can be accurately compared to expected norms. Early diagnosis allows families to access therapies that maximize developmental potential.
Which type of specialist is typically responsible for diagnosing cerebral palsy in infants?
Cardiologist
Dermatologist
Endocrinologist
Pediatric neurologist
A pediatric neurologist evaluates brain and nerve function in children and is the primary specialist for diagnosing cerebral palsy. They use clinical exams and imaging to confirm the diagnosis.
Which imaging study is most commonly used to assess brain structure in infants suspected of having cerebral palsy?
Endoscopic ultrasound
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
X-ray
MRI provides high-resolution images of brain tissue and is preferred for detecting the white matter and cortical injuries linked to cerebral palsy. It helps clinicians identify the timing and extent of brain damage.
Which classification system is used to describe gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy?
Glasgow Coma Scale
Gross Motor Function Classification System
APGAR score
Body Mass Index
The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) categorizes children with CP based on self-initiated movement abilities. It ranges from Level I (walks without limitations) to Level V (transported in a manual wheelchair).
Spastic cerebral palsy is primarily characterized by which of the following?
Increased muscle tone leading to stiff and rigid muscles
Rapid, involuntary tremors
Uncontrolled head nodding
Decreased muscle tone causing floppy limbs
Spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type, involves hypertonia where muscles are rigid and resist stretching. This results in stiff movements and difficulty with fine and gross motor control.
Which prenatal risk factor is most strongly associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy?
Regular maternal exercise
Full-term gestation
Maternal infection during pregnancy
High folate intake
Maternal infections such as chorioamnionitis can trigger inflammatory responses that damage the fetal brain. Studies show that prenatal inflammation is a key risk factor for cerebral palsy.
Infants with a birth weight below which threshold are at higher risk for cerebral palsy?
2.5 kilograms
1.5 kilograms (very low birth weight)
3.5 kilograms
4.0 kilograms
Very low birth weight (<1.5 kg) and prematurity are significant risk factors for cerebral palsy due to vulnerability of the immature brain. Neonates under this weight often have periventricular white matter injury.
Approximately what percentage of children with cerebral palsy also experience epilepsy?
10%
Over 90%
60% - 80%
30% - 50%
Epilepsy affects roughly one-third to one-half of children with cerebral palsy, reflecting shared underlying brain injury. Seizure management is a key component of CP care.
Which type of cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled movements?
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy
Hypotonic cerebral palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy
Ataxic cerebral palsy
Dyskinetic CP involves dystonia and choreoathetoid movements due to basal ganglia injury. These involuntary actions contrast with the stiffness seen in spastic types.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections are primarily used in cerebral palsy management to treat which symptom?
Sleep disturbances
Seizures
Gastrointestinal issues
Spasticity
Botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, reducing muscle overactivity and spasticity in CP. It's commonly injected into targeted muscles to improve range of motion.
In the GMFCS, Level I indicates which functional ability?
Walks only with assistive devices
Walks without limitations
Cannot achieve head control
Uses wheelchair exclusively
GMFCS Level I describes children who can walk and climb stairs without limitations but may exhibit reduced speed or balance. It reflects the highest gross motor function in CP classification.
Which speech disorder is most commonly seen in children with cerebral palsy?
Stuttering
Dyslexia
Dysarthria
Aphasia
Dysarthria arises from motor control problems in the muscles used for speech, leading to slurred or slow articulation in CP. It is one of the most frequently observed speech impairments.
Which type of white matter brain injury is most commonly associated with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy?
Meningeal infection
Subdural hematoma
Periventricular leukomalacia
Intracerebral hemorrhage
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) involves necrosis of white matter around the brain's ventricles and is strongly linked to spastic diplegia in preterm infants. It results from vulnerability of developing oligodendrocytes.
Constraint-induced movement therapy works primarily by leveraging which neurophysiological principle?
Reflex inhibition via electrical stimulation
Neuroplasticity through intensive use of the affected limb
Sensory desensitization training
Muscle stretching at joint extremes
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) forces use of the weaker limb while restraining the stronger one, driving cortical reorganization and strengthening neural pathways. Studies show improved motor control in CP.
An intrathecal baclofen pump is used in cerebral palsy to manage which condition?
Cognitive impairment
Spasticity
Epileptic seizures
Visual deficits
Intrathecal baclofen delivers medication directly to the spinal fluid to reduce severe spasticity in CP when oral medications are insufficient. It can improve comfort and ease of care.
What does the acronym MACS stand for in the context of cerebral palsy classification?
Motor Axial Coordination Scale
Manual Activity Cognitive Score
Muscle Atrophy Classification System
Manual Ability Classification System
The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) categorizes how children with CP use their hands to handle objects in daily activities. It ranges from Level I (handles objects easily) to Level V (does not handle objects).
Lack of head control in an infant beyond which age is considered a potential early sign of cerebral palsy?
Four months
Nine months
Two months
Six months
Most infants have full head control by four months; failure to achieve this milestone may indicate neuromotor impairment such as cerebral palsy. Early developmental surveillance is key.
Damage to which area of the brain is most directly responsible for the motor impairments seen in spastic cerebral palsy?
Occipital lobe
Hippocampus
Primary motor cortex
Cerebellum
In spastic CP, injury to the primary motor cortex or its descending pathways leads to hyperreflexia and increased muscle tone. This cortical damage underlies the hallmark stiffness.
Which cognitive comorbidity is most frequently associated with cerebral palsy?
Type 1 diabetes
Alzheimer's disease
Cardiomyopathy
Intellectual disability
Intellectual disability affects up to half of children with CP due to widespread brain injury. Early cognitive assessment allows for tailored educational and therapeutic interventions.
Elevated levels of which inflammatory cytokine during pregnancy have been linked to the development of cerebral palsy in the child?
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Creatinine
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Hemoglobin
Research indicates that maternal inflammation with elevated IL-6 levels can cross the placenta and contribute to fetal brain injury linked to cerebral palsy. IL-6 is a key mediator in neuroinflammation.
Deep brain stimulation in cerebral palsy patients is primarily investigated as a treatment for which motor symptom?
Dystonia
Spasticity
Seizures
Dysphagia
Deep brain stimulation targeting the globus pallidus has shown promise in reducing dystonic movements in severe dyskinetic CP. It modulates abnormal basal ganglia circuits.
Mutations in which gene have been identified in rare familial cases of cerebral palsy?
CFTR
HBB
COL4A1
BRCA1
COL4A1 gene mutations affect vascular basement membranes and have been linked to familial perinatal brain hemorrhages and subsequent CP. These findings highlight genetic contributions in rare cases.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand key traits -

    Interpret the primary indicators of cerebral palsy in infants as highlighted in our does my baby have cerebral palsy quiz, including muscle tone variations and movement patterns.

  2. Recognize early warning signs -

    Identify subtle developmental cues from the signs of cerebral palsy quiz that can prompt timely medical evaluation and intervention for your baby.

  3. Analyze your knowledge -

    Evaluate your grasp of cerebral palsy basics through our free cerebral palsy quiz online and pinpoint areas for further learning.

  4. Differentiate CP types -

    Compare the various forms of cerebral palsy covered in the cerebral palsy knowledge test to understand their distinct characteristics and challenges.

  5. Plan next steps -

    Determine appropriate follow-up actions and resource recommendations based on your quiz results to support informed caregiving decisions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Definition & Types of Cerebral Palsy -

    Cerebral palsy is a group of non-progressive motor disorders caused by brain injury before, during, or after birth, leading to movement and posture impairments. The main subtypes - spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed - are classified by muscle tone and coordination patterns, per CDC guidelines. A helpful mnemonic, "SAD = Spastic, Ataxic, Dyskinetic," can keep the three primary types in mind.

  2. Early Motor Signs & Red Flags -

    Parents often notice signs like persistent "scissoring" leg posture, asymmetrical hand use, or retained primitive reflexes (e.g., Babinski) beyond infancy. Missing gross motor milestones - such as not sitting by 8 months - according to the Journal of Pediatrics, warrants prompt evaluation. Taking a "does my baby have cerebral palsy quiz" before clinical visits helps families map symptoms to key warning signals.

  3. Diagnostic Assessments & Classification -

    Clinicians use neuroimaging (MRI) and standardized tools like the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) to confirm a cerebral palsy diagnosis and severity. GMFCS categorizes mobility from Level I (walks without limitations) to Level V (transported in a manual wheelchair), aiding intervention planning per NINDS guidelines. Practicing with a kids cerebral palsy quiz that lists clinical vignettes can sharpen your diagnostic reasoning.

  4. Risk Factors & Prevention Clues -

    Premature birth (before 32 weeks), low birth weight, and prenatal infections account for over 70% of cerebral palsy cases, according to WHO data. A simple acronym "PIL" (Prematurity, Infections, Low weight) helps recall main risks for your cerebral palsy knowledge test. Recognizing modifiable factors, like treating maternal infections early, supports prevention efforts.

  5. Early Intervention & Management Strategies -

    Early physical, occupational, and speech therapies can improve motor function and quality of life, as shown in numerous studies summarized by the March of Dimes. Techniques like neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) and constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) focus on task-oriented, repetitive practice to build strength and coordination. Use a signs of cerebral palsy quiz to track progress and celebrate small wins in therapy milestones.

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