Evidence reviewed as of before 01-01-2021 Author(s): Ogourtsova, T. (PhD OT); Steven, E. (MSc App OT); Iliopoulos, G. (MSc App OT); Deleva, V. (MSc App OT) & Majnemer, A. (PhD, OT, FCAHS)

Introduction

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often have difficulty with feeding and swallowing due to their motor impairments.  Feeding disorders can include problems with sucking, spoon feeding, and drinking from a cup. Swallowing disorders, commonly referred to as oral-motor dysfunction or dysphagia, are difficulties in manipulating food in the mouth and transporting food from the mouth to the stomach.

Feeding and swallowing problems can lead to prolonged stressful mealtimes, risk of aspiration (food/liquid getting into the airways), and decreased oral feeding/limited food intake which, in turn, can have adverse effects on growth, development and quality of life. Treating these disorders is essential in order to prevent medical complications (such as choking and aspiration), optimize the nutritional and growth status, and improve the quality of life for children with CP.

Cerebral Palsy Eating and Feeding Tips | Cerebral Palsy Guidance
Accessed on June 20, 2022, from https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/living/eating-and-feeding-tips/

Parent & Family Information

Clinician Information

Functional Chewing Training (FuCT)

GMFCS level II, III, V

Nutrition Education Program

CP level N/A

Oral Motor Therapy

CP level N/A

Sensory level electrical stimulation

GMFCS level II-V

References

  • Inal, Ö., Serel Arslan, S., Demir, N. U. M. A. N., Tunca Yilmaz, Ö., & Karaduman, A. A. (2017). Effect of functional chewing training on tongue thrust and drooling in children with cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of oral rehabilitation, 44(11), 843-849. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.12544

  • Mlinda, S. J., Leyna, G. H., & Massawe, A. (2018). The effect of a practical nutrition education programme on feeding skills of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy at Muhimbili National Hospital, in Tanzania. Child: care, health and development44(3), 452–461. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.12553

  • Sığan, S. N., Uzunhan, T. A., Aydınlı, N., Eraslan, E., Ekici, B., & Calışkan, M. (2013). Effects of oral motor therapy in children with cerebral palsy. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology16(3), 342–346. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-2327.116923

  • Umay, E., Gurcay, E., Ozturk, E. A., & Unlu Akyuz, E. (2020). Is sensory-level electrical stimulation effective in cerebral palsy children with dysphagia? A randomized controlled clinical trial. Acta neurologica Belgica120(5), 1097–1105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-018-01071-6

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