Optimality score for the neurologic examination of he infant at 12 and 18 months of age

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple, quantifiable, n eurologic examination for infants between 2 and 24 months of age. The asses sment consists of 37 items, divided into 3 sections. The first section incl udes 26 items assessing cranial nerve function, posture, movements, tone, a nd reflexes; the second section of 8 items documents the development of mot or function, and the third section of 3 items evaluates the state of behavi or. We applied this assessment to a cohort of ninety-two 12-month-old infan ts and forty-three 18-month-old infants, with no known perinatal risk facto rs. The proforma presented has been designed according to the frequency dis tribution of the neurologic findings in this cohort. Each item is scored in dividually, and a global score is the sum of all individual scores. The qua ntitative score enhances the value of this examination, both in clinical pr actice and in research settings.