Which statement is NOT a sign of cerebral palsy?

• A. Retention of primitive reflexes
• B. Hyperresponsive tendon reflex
• C. Clonus
• D. Progressive improvement in motor function

Answer: (D)

Cerebral palsy is defined by a non-progressive brain injury, so the signs reflect a static lesion rather than a worsening process. Persistence of primitive reflexes indicates that normal motor system maturation has not occurred, which is typical in CP. Hyperresponsive tendon reflexes show upper motor neuron involvement, a hallmark of CP-related motor impairment. Clonus is another sign of upper motor neuron excitability commonly seen with CP. In contrast, progressive improvement in motor function is not a sign of CP; while children may gain skills with therapy and development, the underlying brain injury itself does not progress. If motor function were worsening or continuing to change in a progressive manner, that would point away from CP and toward another diagnosis.