Common Health Problems Associated With Cerebral Palsy

Health problems may exist in persons with cerebral palsy that are uncommon in people without cerebral
palsy.
Drooling
Drooling can cause severe skin irritations, which can change the child’s appearance. Caring for a child who
is drooling should be openly discussed with a doctor as part of routine cerebral palsy management .(Dunn
et al., 1987; Rapp, 1980; Sochaniwskyj et al., 1986).
Excessive drooling can make it hard for a child to swallow(Senner et al., 2004) and treating this problem
can be difficult (Blasco, 2002). Medication can help but unfortunately the side effects of medicine can be
significant. Surgery may be an option and Botox therapy may also offer relief (Suskind and Tilton, 2002;
Van der Burg et al., 2006).
Nutrition
Poor nutrition is also associated with serious health problems in children with cerebral palsy (Patrick et al.,
1986; Shapiro et al., 1986; Waterman et al., 1992). Chewing difficulties, which occur in about one-third of
all cases, are most responsible for the problem. And unfortunately, few medical treatments have been
proven to be effective. (Rogers, 2004). However, feeding through the stomach has lead to significant
improvements in height and weight. This type of treatment can potentially cause problems if the child
becomes overweight. It’s important to note that there is no evidence that shows that improving nutrition
improves the child’s function. (Calis EAC et al., 2007).
Bladder dysfunction
Bladder dysfunction can also be a serious health problem for children with cerebral palsy. and may require
treatment from a physician who specializes in these conditions. Bed wetting, stress incontinence and
dribbling are all associated with this condition. (McNeal et al., 1983).
Constipation
Constipation is a common condition that must be monitored by a doctor. This problem happens because the
child with cerebral palsy is unable to control the abdominal muscles that push stool out of the body. Medical
treatment may be needed to help with constipation.
Puberty
A survey of 207 people with cerebral palsy, who have trouble walking or are not able to walk (GMCS 3,4 or
5) showed that puberty begins earlier in people with cerebral palsy compared to people who don’t have the
disorder. This same survey showed that puberty ended later for people with cerebral palsy compared to
those who don’t have the disorder. (Worley et al., 2002) . In addition, menstruation occurs later in girls with
cerebral palsy.