Cerebral Palsy—Long-Term Medical, Functional, Educational, and Psychosocial Outcomes

Abstract

Cerebral palsy, typically diagnosed in childhood, clearly continues into adulthood. This study describes the long-term medical, functional, educational, and psychosocial outcomes of people with cerebral palsy. Of the 203 people with cerebral palsy diagnosed and treated at the Child Development Center in Tel Aviv between 1975 and 1994, 163 (80%; age range 8-30 years, mean age 18.9 years, and median age 19 years) participated in a cross-sectional telephone survey. Half the respondents have chronic health problems: 78% report they experience gross motor disability, of whom 22% are wheelchair users; 30% to 50% need help in various activities of daily living; 35% have mental retardation; 79% completed 12 years or more of schooling; 78% live with their parents; 25% have served in the army; 23% have a driver's license; and 23% work in competitive employment. The large majority is involved in varied leisure activities and report a high level of life satisfaction.

Cerebral Palsy Among Term and Postterm Births

“…1-3 Cerebral palsy is characterized by non-progressive disorders of movement and posture, presumed to result from insult to the brain during fetal or early infant life. 4 These motor problems are often accompanied by disturbances of cognition and other neurologic difficulties.…”

“…4 These motor problems are often accompanied by disturbances of cognition and other neurologic difficulties. 1, 3, 4 Cerebral palsy can be a severe handicap and a substantial burden for the family and society.…”

Cerebral Palsy Among Term and Postterm Births

“…[1][2][3] Cerebral palsy is characterized by non-progressive disorders of movement and posture, presumed to result from insult to the brain during fetal or early infant life. 4 These motor problems are often accompanied by disturbances of cognition and other neurologic difficulties.…”

Adults with Cerebral Palsy

“…In terms of outpatient care generally, it is unclear whether youth or adults with CP receive more care. Some studies found that adults with CP used outpatient services (e.g., visits to physicians in emergency rooms and specialists) more frequently than youth (Goodman et al, 2011;Young et al, 2007), while other studies reported the opposite pattern (Mesterman et al, 2010;Stevenson, Pharoah, & Stevenson, 1997). In terms of satisfaction with health care services, results remain unknown.…”