A survey of medical and paramedical involvement in children with cerebral palsy in Britanny: preliminary results

Abstract

Aim: To describe the amount of medical and paramedical involvement in a sample of Breton children with cerebral palsy as a function of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

Materials and methods: This is a transversal descriptive study. All children with cerebral palsy in Brittany were eligible. Parents who accepted to participate were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding medical and paramedical involvement with their child.

Results: One hundred and thirty-three parents participated. 40.6% of the children were level I on the GMFCS, 20.3% II, 12.03% III, 13.53% IV and 13.53% were level V. Thirty-nine percent of the children took at least one medication (of which 43% were antiepileptic drugs). 33.1% of the children had received at least one injection of botulinum toxin within the year. Forty-four percent used a mobility aid. Eighty-five percent of the children had at least one orthotic device, most often a night ankle-foot orthosis. The median number of rehabilitation sessions per week was 3.85 [0.5-11.5]. The frequency and type of sessions were mostly related to the GMFCS level.

Conclusion: This study reports high levels of medical and paramedical involvement. Studies must attempt to define optimal practice.