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Cerebral palsy

Description

Cerebral palsy (CP) involves chronic, nonprogressive central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction leading to problems with tone and movement. Children with CP make up a very heterogeneous group. Depending on the original insult, this condition has many clinical manifestations, from very mild to very severe neurological involvement. Children with cerebral palsy may or may not be ambulatory and may or may not have mental retardation.

Possible effects on growth

  • Growth impairments are seen in many children with CP. It is thought that the impairments are related to inadequate intake because of neurological problems that impact oral-motor function and ambulatory status.
  • Many children with CP were born prematurely; it is important to correct for gestational age when assessing the growth of an infant with CP.
   
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