Hemiplegic (unilateral) cerebral palsy in northern Stockholm: Intellectual disability and epilepsy

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe intellectual disability and its association with epilepsy and brain imaging, in a population-based group of children with hemiplegic (unilateral) cerebral palsy, previously investigated and published in 2020. Materials and methodsForty-seven children of school age in northern Stockholm, fulfilling the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe-criteria of hemiplegic (unilateral spastic) cerebral palsy, were invited to participate in the study. Twenty-one children consented to participate. A WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children)-test was performed by an experienced psychologist. ResultsIn the study population of twenty-one children, 57 % (n 12) displayed uneven cognitive profiles, 38 % (n 8) intellectual disability and 62 % (n 13) had a normal IQ. 43 % (n 9) developed epilepsy. Children with extensive brain lesions had more severe intellectual disability. ConclusionsIn this study intellectual disability and/or epilepsy were associated with the type and extent of the underlying brain lesion. Intellectual disability and uneven cognitive profiles were common. We therefore recommend individual cognitive assessment to ensure an optimal school start.