A child with cerebral palsy (CP) may show a number of changes that affect the hands.
Handedness may become apparent by preference for writing, drawing, feeding or ball throwing. Normally the preference for being left or right-handed is seen in childhood.
In cerebral palsy there are two references to handedness.
The first reference "pathologic" hand reference. A patient with CP may show it much earlier, with various cutoffs suggested (< 12 months, < 15 months, < 18 months).
The second reference is associated with an increased prevalence of being left-handed. Almost 50% of males and 30% of females with CP are left-handed.
Other features of cerebral palsy that may affect the hands:
(1) persistent hand fisting
(2) dyskinetic movements
(3) spasticity
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