Hammersmith infant neurological examination is practical, fast and easy to perform. It is designed to examine premature babies and infants between the ages of 3 and 24 months. The survey results assess the risk of developing cerebral palsy and predict the formation of independent sitting and walking skills in children with cerebral palsy.

The first version of this test was developed by Dr. Dubovits Lilly (Lilly Dubowitz) and her husband, a professor at the University of London Dr Dubovits Victor in 1981. In 1998, Dr Eugenio Mercuri updated and enhanced the evaluation method. The examination was standardized on large cohorts of children with no developmental deviations or with neurological pathology. It is recommended for use in clinical practice and in research.

The neurological examination consists of 26 items, divided into 5 categories which assess the functions of the cranial nerves, body posture, movements, muscle tone, reflexes and reactions. Each item is evaluated on a four-point scale, with mandatory indication of the asymmetries observed during the survey.

The stages of motor development of the child are evaluated separately, indicating the age at which a certain degree of motor skills development has been achieved (head control, grasping, sitting, crawling, rolling over, standing and walking).

The last section includes an assessment of the behaviour, namely the infant's state of mind, emotional condition and social orientation.

Survey results are easy to fill in by using the standardized forms, which simplifies data collection and its comparison with previous data.

The Ukrainian translation was made by Bogdana Fedchyshyn and Anna Kushnir with the help of Oleh Kachmar, Taras Voloshyn, Oksana Koteliak and Oksana Nazar.

The translation can be downloaded at https://www.mackeith.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HINE-_-Ukrainian.pdf

Video of the survey methodology: hammersmith-neuro-exam.com/videos/