Causes
Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage that can occur during prenatal, natal, or a few months postnatal. Some factors that could cause this neurologic disorder during prenatal can be maternal diseases such as cytomegalovirus, HIV, and rubella. Prematurity and low birthweight are also factors that can cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy occurs in 2.0-3.5 babies per 1000 live births and about 90 cases per 1000 neonatal …show more content…
Oropharyngeal dysphagia is very common for people who have cerebral palsy and could lead to poor food and liquid intake and reduced mealtime safety (Benfer et al., 2013). Reduced nutrition and hydration is common and meal times tend to be stressful. People who have spastic quadriplegia experience the greatest difficulty with swallowing. Some problems that people with cerebral palsy may experience are reduced lip closure, poor tongue function, tactile hypersensitivity, delayed swallow initiation, and drooling (Arvedson, 2013). Some feeding disorders that can occur are prolonged feeding times, delayed progression of oral feeding skills, and recurrent respiratory diseases. Aspiration is a major concern for someone who has cerebral