A diagnostic method for the functional assessment of the integrity of the nervous system

The human embryo begins to move from 9 weeks of pregnancy onwards with complex general movements (GMs). These involve the entire body with variable sequence of individual movements of arms, legs, neck and trunk. Intensity, speed, amplitude and spatial orientation of movements also vary. The GMs remain largely unchanged until the end of the second month after due date. Then, small-amplitude, elegant, so-called fidgety movements (FMs) appear, which remain present until 16-20 weeks.

Brain dysfunction changes the quality of GMs. This is referred to as a poor repertoire of GMs (the sequence of successive movement components is monotonous and the complexity is lost) or cramped-synchronized GMs (arm, trunk and leg muscles contract and relax almost simultaneously).

Cramped-synchronized GMs occurring for several weeks signify a high risk for spastic cerebral palsy. When FMs are never observed between 9 and 16 weeks, this signifies a very high risk of cerebral palsy.

The advantage of recognizing an increased risk for neurological disorders so early is the possibility of evaluating neonatal morbidities, medications, and potentially favourable interventions, already during NICU period.

Main Topics

• The motor repertoire of the fetus and premature infant
• When do which movement patterns develop and why?
• General movements and their age-specific characteristics
• How does brain dysfunction change general movements?
• How can you recognize an increased risk of cerebral palsy later in life?

Course language: English

Detailliertes Programm (PDF)
Referenten:  Prof. Dr. Arend F. Bos

Teilnahmegebühr:  from 240,00 €
Teilnehmer:  limited!

Kategorie: Entwicklung des Kindes, entwicklungsfördernde Neonatologie, Entwicklungstherapie, Frühförderung, Manuelle Medizin, Neuropädiatrie, Orthopädie, Osteopathie, Pädiatrie, Physiotherapie, Sozialpädiatrie