Motormental retardation

Considerations:
Motormental retardation in children is generally related to significant central nervous system damage or abnormality. It refers both to lack of mental development and motor development. There can be various degrees of mental retardation , and failure to meet various normal developmental milestones .

Infants can be born with conditions that cause mental retardation and delayed or absent motor development. Motormental retardation may also develop after birth with deterioration of both mental and motor function.

Common Causes:
BEFORE BIRTH

AFTER BIRTH

Note: There may be other causes of motormental retardation. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for motormental retardation, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Home care varies with the cause, type, and severity of retardation.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:



What to Expect:
An infant with motormental retardation generally has other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition is based on a family history, medical history, and thorough physical evaluation.

Medical history questions documenting motormental retardation in detail may include:

  • What parts of the child's development seem to be delayed?
  • What specific skills have you noticed that seem to be delayed or absent?
  • What other symptoms are present?

Note: For information on development, see the following documents.

Physical examination may include periodic testing of your child's development to help determine appropriate therapy.

Diagnostic tests:
Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies , enzyme assays, X-rays, and metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

After seeing your health care provider:
Although your health care provider maintains records on your child, it may be helpful to maintain your own records. You should add findings that you notice at home. Bring your records to the health care provider's attention if you notice any abnormalities, or if you have questions about your baby's development.