Early Detection and Early Intervention in Cerebral Palsy: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Its Application in Resource-Limited Settings
Received: 2026-09-03
Published: 2026-06-29
Abstract
Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood, yet for most of the twentieth century it was diagnosed only after the first birthday, long after the period of greatest neuroplasticity had passed. Over the past decade this has changed. Combinations of neonatal magnetic resonance imaging, the Prechtl General Movements Assessment and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination now permit accurate detection before six months of corrected age, and an international clinical practice guideline has defined what should be offered to infants once they are identified. This narrative review synthesises the current evidence on detection tools and their reported accuracy, on early intervention and its documented limits, and on the specific obstacles that arise where magnetic resonance imaging, trained assessors and structured rehabilitation are scarce. Particular attention is given to the applicability of these approaches in Central Asia, where published local data remain sparse. The review argues that the principal barrier to earlier diagnosis in such settings is no longer technological but organisational, and outlines what a feasible detection pathway would require.
Keywords
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