Approximately 10,000 babies each year in the United States develop cerebral palsy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Patients with cerebral palsy can have problems with movement, such as muscle weakness or tight joints. Cerebral palsy may also cause problems that interfere with proper nutrition. As a result, patients may require special diets or medical interventions to prevent malnutrition.
Identification
Cerebral palsy patients start showing symptoms of nutritional problems early in life. MedlinePlus points out that during infancy, patients may have difficulty sucking during feeding. As patients become older, they can develop problems chewing and swallowing. Eating issues may arise due to problems controlling the muscles in the mouth or problems with the jaws not fitting together properly. Some cerebral palsy patients may experience pain while eating. Other issues in cerebral palsy that may affect nutrition include constipation and vomiting.
Complications
Difficulty eating may cause some health problems in cerebral palsy patients. For example, children with cerebral palsy may suffer from malnutrition and poor growth, according to Michelle N. Kuperminc and Richard D. Stevenson, authors of "Growth and Nutrition Disorders in Children with Cerebral Palsy." The poor growth may also affect bone density. Cerebral palsy patients may also breathe food into their lungs and have problems controlling their drooling. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke adds that children with cerebral palsy may develop heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease that may result in pain and bleeding.
Evaluations
Cerebral palsy patients who display nutritional problems will undergo an evaluation. Oregon Health and Science University notes that these evaluations can start between birth and age 3. Evaluations for nutritional problems include noting the child's diet record, assessing her feeding and checking for any gastrointestinal problems.
Dietary Interventions
Cerebral palsy patients with nutritional problems that may benefit from a nutritionist. UC San Diego explains that the nutritionist can help make changes to the patient's diet that provide the adequate nutrients and make it easier for him to eat. Depending on the patient's personal needs, the dietitian may introduce supplements into the diet. Cerebral palsy patients should talk to their dietitians or doctors first before starting any supplements.
Additional Treatments
Some cerebral palsy patients may require other treatments besides a dietary intervention. For example, if a cerebral palsy patient has severe swallowing problems, she may require a gastrostomy, in which a feeding tube directly passes food into the stomach. Other patients may benefit from medication. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke points out that anticholinergic medications, such as glycopyrolate, may help with drooling but can cause side effects such as dry mouth. Other treatment options include biofeedback and intraoral devices that help with tongue positioning and swallowing.
References
- UC San Diego: Nutritional Counseling for People with Cerebral Palsy
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cerebral Palsy
- "Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews"; Growth and Nutrition Disorders in Children with Cerebral Palsy; Michelle N. Kuperminc and Richard D. Stevenson; July 2008
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research
- Oregon Health and Science University: Guidelines for the Care of Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy
