Good nutrition can be a challenge for people with cerebral palsy. According to a study published in the May 2007 issue of the "Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics," even children with mild forms of cerebral palsy are commonly malnourished. Although a person with cerebral palsy has the same nutritional requirements as someone without the disorder, symptoms, such as muscle tightness, muscle weakness, tight joints, nausea, vomiting and difficulty chewing and swallowing, can make eating difficult.
Difficulty Swallowing
People with cerebral palsy often experience difficulty swallowing due to lack of muscle control in the throat. Difficulty swallowing, also referred to as dysphagia, can pose health risks because food can be inhaled into the lungs and cause choking or an infection. People with cerebral palsy can struggle with swallowing both solids and liquids. A speech language pathologist can perform a swallow evaluation to assess the patient's swallowing abilities and prescribe a diet with modified textures of foods and thicknesses of fluids that is safe for the patient.
Constipation
People with cerebral palsy commonly experience constipation due to decreased motility in the colon decreased physical activity and medications used to treat cerebral palsy. To decrease constipation, a high-fiber diet is recommended. Foods that are high in fiber include whole grain breads and cereals, legumes, raw fruits and raw vegetables. Drinking fluids can also aid in bowel regularity, so it is important to drink liquids throughout the day. Your doctor can tell you what the right amount of fluid is for you.
Supplemental Nutrition
Some people with cerebral palsy are unable to eat enough food to meet their nutritional needs. In this situation, a person can receive supplemental nutrition, sometimes referred to as "tube feeding." A gastrostomy tube is surgically placed in the stomach and patients can receive a specialized nutrition formula through this tube. Tube feedings can either supplement the foods that a person eats by mouth, or they can provide all the nutrition a person requires if he is unable to safely eat by mouth. Tube feedings can be done at home under the instruction of a registered dietitian.
Professional Resources
Because of the many challenges associated with cerebral palsy and nutrition, consulting with a registered dietitian may be helpful in any case. Registered dietitians are trained to assess a person's nutritional status and design individualized nutrition plans. A registered dietitian and a speech language pathologist can help you create a safe and effective nutrition plan.
References
- "Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics"; Body Mass Index in Ambulatory Cerebral Palsy Patients; BT Feeley, et al.; May 2007
- "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation"; Colonic Transit Time and Constipation in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy; ES Park, et al.; March 2004
- 4MyChild: Cerebral Palsy Diet and Nutrition Needs
- "Practical Gastroenterology"; Nutritional Assessment and Intervention in Cerebral Palsy; Wendy Wittenbrook; February 2011
