Which finding could be an early indicator of cerebral palsy in an infant?

The finding of a 4-month-old infant lacking head control could indeed be an early indicator of cerebral palsy. By this age, infants typically develop sufficient neck muscle strength to hold their heads upright when placed in a sitting position. The inability to achieve this milestone suggests potential issues with muscle tone or motor development, which can be associated with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement, balance, and posture that results from abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. Early signs may include delayed motor milestones, such as head control, which is crucial for further developmental progress.

In this context, while a 7-month-old sitting with support and an 8-month-old unable to crawl may indicate developmental delays, these findings alone are not as strongly suggestive of cerebral palsy as the lack of head control in a younger infant. Furthermore, a 3-month-old smiling at the patient is a typical social milestone and does not indicate motor impairment. Thus, the absence of head control at 4 months is a more direct indicator of possible cerebral palsy, setting it apart as a significant concern.