Investigation of feeding problems in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Introduction: Eating and swallowing are important for child health and play an essential role in her/his physical, social, emotional and cultural development. In children with cerebral palsy because of neuromuscular disorders, there is high prevalence of feeding and swallowing disorders. Early diagnosis, prevention and management of feeding problems are important process. In this study, feeding problems in different types of cerebral palsy were investigated. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 60 children with cerebral palsy that referred to clinical centers were selected using random sampling. Feeding and swallowing skills of these children were investigated with using of Pediatric assessment scale for severe feeding problems. Results: Findings indicated that children with spastic and flaccid cerebral palsy have feeding problems with similar severity. Also children with athetoid cerebral palsy showed lowest severity of feeding problems. Conclusion: Swallowing performance and proper feeding skills plays an important role in children's development. Given the high prevalence of feeding problems in children with cerebral palsy, early diagnosis and intervention should be done to prevent of secondary problems. Keywords: cerebral palsy, feeding skills, swallowing