My premature grandson now 8 months old has started sticking his tongue out a lot. I have read that this could be symptom of cerebral palsy. Is normal and common?

While it's true that tongue thrusting (sticking the tongue out) can be a symptom of cerebral palsy, it's important to note that it is not a definitive sign. Many babies and young children stick their tongues out as a normal part of their development, and it does not necessarily indicate any underlying medical condition.

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by damage to the brain that occurs before or during birth, or in early infancy. Tongue thrusting can be a symptom of cerebral palsy, but there are many other possible signs and symptoms, such as:

- Muscle stiffness or weakness

- Difficulty with coordination and balance

- Speech and language problems

- Difficulty swallowing

- Seizures

- Vision or hearing problems

- Intellectual disability

If you are concerned about your grandson's tongue thrusting, it's important to talk to his doctor. The doctor can evaluate your grandson and determine if he has cerebral palsy or another underlying medical condition. If necessary, the doctor can recommend treatment options to help manage your grandson's symptoms.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

- Tongue thrusting is a common behavior in babies and young children.

- It is not always a sign of cerebral palsy.

- If you are concerned about your grandson's tongue thrusting, talk to his doctor.