Clinical, Neurodevelopmental and Etiological profile of children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background: Clinical spectrum of cerebral palsy (CP) is different in developing and developed countries. We evaluated the clinical profile, etiological factors and co-morbidities of children with CP in central India. Methods: 50 children with CP came to the hospital in our rehabilitation center were compared with our previous study done in India and western countries. Results: Spastic quadriplegia is the commonest type of CP (90%). Birth asphyxia remains the main (48%) etiological factor. Prematurity was second most common (22%), Pre-eclamsia (10%), convulsions (10%), infection (8%) and pathological jaundice (8%) other important etiological factors. due to bilirubin-encephalopathy remained same (∼30%). Microcephaly (56%), Speech problems (34%), seizures (36%), auditory defect (8%) and visual defect (4%) are common co-morbidities. Common neuroimaging findings include cortical atrophy (50%), periventricular leukomalacia (12.5%) and developmental defect (12.5%). Conclusion: The spectrum of CP is evolving in the developing countries. Lack of proper antenatal and perinatal care, malnutrition and infections appeared to be the major factors for development of CP.