The epidemiology of cerebral palsy: Incidence, impairments and risk factors

Abstract

In the last 40 years the prevalence of CP has risen to well above 2.0 per 1000 life births. In this time span the proportion of low-birthweight infants rose, the proportion of diplegia decreased, while the proportion of hemiplegia increased. CP is more prevalent in more deprived socio-economic populations. The majority of people with CP have the spastic syndrome of which the diplegic group is the smallest. Dependent on the subgroup of CP, 25-80% have additional impairments. A large proportion has some kind of cognitive impairment; the prevalence varies with the type of CP and especially increases when epilepsy is present. Epilepsy is present in 20-40%; it is most common among the hemi- and tetraplegics. Sensibility of the hands is impaired in about half. Chronic pain is reported by more than a quarter of the adults. Up to 80% have at least some impairment of speech. Low visual acuity is reported in almost three-quarters of all children. Half of all children have gastrointestinal and feeding problems. Stunted growth occurs in a quarter, while under- or overweight problems are present in half of the children. Almost 70% of people with spastic CP have abnormal brain CT findings; abnormal cranial ultrasounds is most strongly associated with hemiplegia, normal cranial ultrasounds with diplegia. The most important risk factors for CP are low birthweight, intrauterine infections and multiple gestation.

Efficacy of suit therapy on functioning in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…1 In the general population, the estimated prevalence is two in every 1000 live births. 2,3 From an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health perspective (ICF), CP affects a person's 'functioning', inclusive of body structures and functions, activities, and participation, which may in turn cause 'disabilities' such as impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. 4 The limitations in activity require individual rehabilitation throughout the lifespan.…”

Long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome after selective feticide in monochorionic pregnancies

“…24,31 However, twins in general are estimated to have a 5-to 10-fold increased risk of cerebral palsy because of the higher prevalence of preterm birth and low birthweight. 32 In MC twin pregnancies, the risk of cerebral palsy may be further increased by potential antenatal cerebral injury as a result of transfusion imbalances across placental vascular anastomoses.…”

On the control of brain-computer interfaces by users with cerebral palsy

“…from the early stages of pregnancy through to 3 years old, and resulting in motor, and other, impairments (Holm, 1982;Odding et al, 2006). CP is caused by a one-time event and classified as "non-progressive" meaning the condition does not get worse with time (Badawi et al, 2008).…”