Complications of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy complications are attributed to the neural impairments that characterize the condition. The impairment in the oral-motor function in cerebral palsy can result in difficulties in feeding due to impaired swallowing, coordination of the muscles in the mouth and oropharyngeal dysfunction can contribute to malnutrition in patients with cerebral palsy. Difficulties in controlling saliva, gastroesophageal reflux can result in aspiration, development of aspiration pneumonia in such patients (Arvedson, 2013). The altered breathing in cerebral palsy may contribute to inadequate gaseous exchange resulting into hypoxemia in cerebral palsy. In non-ambulatory patients such as in spastic quadriplegia, there
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Assessment of the developmental milestones is a key nursing assessment. Cerebral palsy patients have delayed achievement of developmental milestones. We have a set of questions that we ask at every patient visit. We include milestones that have been achieved since the last visit, equipment that they use such as braces, walkers, and standers, and any therapy that they receive.
A comprehensive physical assessment is essential in identifying the abnormalities in postural, movements, muscular tone, and reflexes in the patient. The physical assessment ought to also evaluate the patient’s oral motor abilities. The limitation of the oral motor abilities predisposes the patient to possible complications such as malnourishment, aspiration among others hence such assessment is key in advising interventions to limit those.
Nutritional assessment is equally important in cerebral palsy. Nutritional assessment is important as difficulties in swallowing and coordination of facial and oral muscles may lead to malnourishment in these patients. Some of our more severe patients get additional nutrition through the use of gastrostomy tubes
Assessment of the developmental milestones is a key nursing assessment. Cerebral palsy patients have delayed achievement of developmental milestones. We have a set of questions that we ask at every patient visit. We include milestones that have been achieved since the last visit, equipment that they use such as braces, walkers, and standers, and any therapy that they receive.
A comprehensive physical assessment is essential in identifying the abnormalities in postural, movements, muscular tone, and reflexes in the patient. The physical assessment ought to also evaluate the patient’s oral motor abilities. The limitation of the oral motor abilities predisposes the patient to possible complications such as malnourishment, aspiration among others hence such assessment is key in advising interventions to limit those.
Nutritional assessment is equally important in cerebral palsy. Nutritional assessment is important as difficulties in swallowing and coordination of facial and oral muscles may lead to malnourishment in these patients. Some of our more severe patients get additional nutrition through the use of gastrostomy tubes