[Prognosis of neurodevelopmental disorders from clinically-based criteria: usefulness of the observation of general movements].

INTRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Some of the most known classical forms for neurological examination of neonates and infants are reviewed, and their predictive qualities are discussed. Moreover the Prechtl's method of observation of general movements in preterm and term neonates and young infants up to four months posterm is particularly powerful for prediction of normality or abnormality of the future motor control.

CONCLUSION

In general, the clinical approach is the principal tool in developmental neurology, even if it must be complemented by technological examinations, specially neuroimaging.