Physical development delay in my 7 month old daughter

[rikhi]

My daughter is 7 months old.Her head circumference on birth was 35.5 cm and now it is 42 cm .She was only 3 rd percentile in terms of her head circumference growth in 3 months(37 cm().However,at 6 months the head circumference was 41.6 cms.

She has learnt to sit  without support for few minutes and bear  weight on her legs a few days back. But she does not roll over nor does she reach out for any toy except when it is almost touching her body,she tries to catch them occassionally.
She blabbers & had a social smile since she was 3&1/2 months.  

Our pediatrician has expressed concern at her delay in meeting the milestones and had referred us to a neurologist.He said this is due to gross motor skill delay which  is a result of her head circumference growth eing  slow.

He has asked us to perform an EEG to check out if her brain development is normal. He has also suggested intense physiotherapy .The doctor points out that the head circumference should now be at 45 cms whereas she is at 42 cms only.

Can any one tell me what can if an EEG would b helpful in this case or an MRI scan would be a better alternative?

Also can  a slow growth in the head circumference effect her mental abilities and fine motor skills.

Please suggest us some neurologist in bangalore and also about EEG.

[Annasmom327]

I am in a similar situation.  My daughter (who is 6 months old) has a smaller than normal head circumference.  She does roll over, can sit up on her own, can crawl, and reaches for objects some of the time.  As far as those milestones she seems to be on point, however, I worry because she seems to be behind in cognitive and social/emotional development.  My suggestion would be to have both test done.  You should also inquire about Early Intervention Services in your area.  The slow growth could effect her mental abilities and motor skills.  Babies are resilient creatures.  Keep faith that after these test are done, you will be able to help your baby progress by getting her whatever types of therapies she needs to help her catch up to her peers.  Good luck to you and I will keep you in my prayers.

[momofpreemieanda8yrold]

Yes for this delay the EEG should be done first... I just went through this.. though my daughter doesnt have any delays. Also a friend whose son does just went through this too. Get the EEG done first then have an MRI later that day or shortly after.. within a   few days. It could slow down fine skills as well as large. But I think both test should be done. I wish you all the best with your little. one

[wantanswers2day]

I think both tests are important and supplement each other.  The MRI would check the anatomy of the brain to make sure the structure is normal, and look for any abnormal findings.  The EEG looks at the unseen activity of the brain as opposed to the actual structure.  I would think he would be interested first in an MRI, and then if that is normal, order an EEG.  (at least that is what they have done with my son who has developmental delays and some vision problems)