Motor Development

[Becah]

I am the mother of a 5 1/2 month old boy.  He still has a significant head lag and has very poor muscle strength.  He can't reach or grab and has a very poor grip in his hands.  He also holds his arms and and hands inwards with his palms facing outward.  That seems very odd to me. My pediatrician is sending us to a neurologist for further testing but we can't get in until the end of July.  Is there anyone out there who has experienced this before?  He is a very happy baby and laughs and smiles and uses his voice.  I'm just very worried about his motor developement.
thanks
Rebecah

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I understand your concern.  I'm quoting from a website called babycenter.com which lists some of the red flag signs (10 signs) that your child has a motor development problem:

"• Your child's limbs seem stiff
• Your child's muscles seem floppy and loose
• Your child doesn't walk yet
• Your child is walking on her toes
• Your child favors one hand or side of his body
• Your child seems very clumsy
• Your child is constantly moving
• Your child has trouble grasping and manipulating objects
• Your child drools and has difficulty eating
• Your child's motor skills are regressing"

You can visit their site at:  http://www.babycenter.com/0_motor-development-top-10-red-flags_11640.bc

Each of the 10 signs has a link that will explain to you more of the symptoms.

Regards and God bless.

[Becah]

Thanks for your help.