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Alternative names Return to top
Delayed motor and mental development; Retardation - motormental; Psychomotor retardationDefinition Return to top
Motormental retardation is described as delayed or decreased development of both mental and motor skills.Considerations Return to top
Motormental retardation in children is generally related to significant central nervous system damage or abnormality. The term refers specifically to delayed development of cognitive skills (like speech) and delayed development of motor skills (such as walking).
There can be various degrees of mental retardation, which include failure to meet certain normal developmental milestones.
Infants can be born with conditions that cause mental retardation and delayed or absent motor development. Motormental retardation may also develop AFTER birth with deterioration of both mental and motor function related to disease or accident.
Common Causes Return to top
BEFORE BIRTH causes include:
INFANCY/CHILDHOOD causes include:
Home Care Return to top
Home care varies with the cause, type, and severity of retardation.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
An infant with motormental retardation generally has other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition is based on a family history, medical history, and thorough physical evaluation.
Medical history questions documenting motormental retardation in detail may include:
Note: For information on development, see the following documents.
Physical examination may include periodic testing of your child's development to help determine appropriate therapy.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
The type of diagnostic testing done is entirely dependent on the suspected diagnosis. Laboratory studies, such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, and metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.
AFTER SEEING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Although your health care provider maintains records on your child, it may be helpful to maintain your own records. You should add findings that you notice at home. Bring your records to the health care provider's attention if you notice any abnormalities, or if you have questions about your baby's development.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |