Environmentally induced transient motor signs in infancy

Three children are described who developed abnormal motor signs in the lower limbs during late infancy. Although the clinical picture mimicked cerebral palsy, it was possible intermittently to demonstrate normal tone and function. The emergence of these signs coincided with periods of artificially increased stimulation of the feet and legs, and they disappeared rapidly after withdrawal of the stimulation. It is possible that environmental factors are involved in at least some children who develop transient abnormal motor signs.