Clenched fist - CP or not CP

[Diablocircus]

DS 9 months is having an MRI to assess any previous head trauma.

Right hand almost constantly clenched. Possibly weaker right leg. Dr said leg weakness isn’t noticeable unless you really look for it. No other signs of CP.

Development on track especially left hand. Right hand has been clenched almost since birth and I’ve not done anything to help whilst waiting for assessment in case it was an injury and I made things worse.

Been doing a lot of massaging and encouraging use for the last 3 days and noticed a big improvement.

Hand will unclench completely during nap time.

Just wondered if there are any similar experiences where the dx wasn’t CP.

Hi there,

Sorry you're having to worry about all this. My 9 month old had a clenched right fist until the age of 5/6 months but slowly after that it resolved. This was in combination with several other concerns though (mainly with his legs - ankle clonus, high tone) which have also since improved. I did lots of physio at home and think that helped. It's so encouraging that you've noticed an improvement with the clenching even just after a few days - babies have amazing neural plasticity at this age and lots can be done to help.

Just wanted to share this to reassure that often babies do work through some mild neuro issues in these early stages and it doesn't always lead to a CP diagnosis x

@Foreverbaffled

Thank you so much for getting back to me and sharing another perspective.

Just in case anyone is searching for answers and comes across this post.
The update is a diagnosis of schizencephaly which is extremely rare, and apart from limited use of the right hand he’s absolutely fine, so this condition has a huge spectrum.