Although the diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) is typically made between 12 and 24 months of age, there is evidence to indicate it can be detected before 5 months’ corrected age, according to a systematic review of the medical literature. Among the findings:

• Before 5 months’ corrected age, there are several tests that can accurately predict the presence of CP, including MRI, which has a sensitivity rating of 86%-89%.
• The Prechtl Qualitative Assessment of General Movements and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination are also valuable, with sensitivities of 98% and 90%,respectively.
• Early diagnosis is being encouraged because the sooner the disease is discovered, the faster treatments that optimize function and neuroplasticity can be implemented.