Eating and swallowing disorders in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Introduction. Cerebral palsy is characterized by abnormalities of muscle tone, movement and motor abilities caused by disorders in brain development. Many children with cerebral palsy have severe swallowing problems. Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormalities in brain development. Swallowing is a process by which a bolus that is formed within the oral cavity is transported through the pharynx into the esophagus and stomach. It has four phases: preparatory oral, oral, pharyngeal and esophageal. Swallowing disorders in children with cerebral palsy. Swallowing disorders vary depending on the type of cerebral palsy. Children with spastic paralysis have a more pronounced disorder of the voluntary phases of swallowing, while children with athetoid paralysis are expected to have a disorder at the oral-motor level. Neurological lesions may affect the muscle function of the jaw, cheeks, lips, tongue, palate and pharynx, which is manifested by difficulties in controlling saliva and swallowing. Diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia in cerebral palsy. Diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia is best accomplished by a team of experts including a pediatrician, neurologist, otorhinolaryngologist, gastroenterologist, radiologist, dental specialist, speech therapist, nutritionist, and a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Conclusion. Dysphagia is a common comorbidity in children with cerebral palsy. Although swallowing disorders often correlate with the type of cerebral palsy, the most prevalent signs of dysphagia include: coughing, prolonged feeding time, laryngotracheal penetration and aspiration, suffocation, which leads to dehydration, malnutrition, but also to the need for alternative feeding methods. It is important to emphasize the importance of early treatment by a team of experts, with a speech therapist as a team leader.