A large-for-date term baby is born by assisted delivery. The baby has a lack of spontaneous movement and weak deep tendon reflexes. There is an absent response to pain stimuli in the lower limbs. Which of the following conditions causes these manifestations in the newborn?

Correct option is C

Ans. (c) Sol. Spinal cord injury is the most likely cause of these manifestations in the newborn. The lack of spontaneous movement, weak deep tendon reflexes, and absent pain response in the lower limbs strongly suggest a neurological impairment affecting motor and sensory functions. In large-for-date babies, assisted deliveries (e.g., forceps or vacuum extraction) increase the risk of trauma to the spinal cord, particularly in the cervical or thoracic region. Severe spinal cord injury can lead to flaccid paralysis, hypotonia, and areflexia in the affected limbs.
Explanation of Other Options:
· (a) Phrenic nerve injury: This affects diaphragm movement, leading to respiratory distress but does not cause lower limb paralysis.
· (b) Cephalhaematoma: A localized collection of blood between the periosteum and skull, often due to birth trauma, but it does not cause neurological deficits or limb paralysis.
· (d) Facial nerve injury: Causes asymmetry of facial movements, inability to close the eye, or a drooping mouth, but does not affect limb movements or reflexes.