The early identification of cerebral palsy (CP) in the primary care context is often problematic and referral for diagnosis often delayed. This study aimed to identify clinical features associated with the early detection of CP that can be used by the primary care provider.

We performed a scoping review by searching six electronic databases. We included English language articles that addressed the diagnosis of CP and/or its differential diagnosis in children and ways of detecting CP before the diagnosis is established (i.e., early clinical signs of CP) via (1) questions on the patient's clinical history, (2) developmental screening and/or health questionnaires, or (3) physical or neurological examination.

Included studies (n = 41; 27 overview studies and 14 original studies) were grouped into the three themes. Most of the overview articles relied on expert opinion, and all original studies included patients at high risk of developing CP. The most commonly identified features from each theme were early hand preference on clinical history, delayed or absent achievement of motor developmental milestones on developmental screening, and persistent primitive reflexes on neurological examination.

Overall, the literature on the early observable clinical signs that should prompt referral for investigation of possible CP in the specific context of well-baby care surveillance was sparse and inconsistent. Further research should focus on evaluating the contribution of readily identifiable clinical features.