Feeding difficulties in children with cerebral palsy
- 1Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- 2Institute of Neurosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Correspondence to Morag J Andrew, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Level 2, Children's Hospital, OX3 9DU, UK; morag.andrew{at}paediatrics.ox.ac.uk
- Received 23 August 2011
- Accepted 12 December 2011
- Published Online First 31 January 2012
Abstract
Feeding difficulties are common in children with cerebral palsy and have an effect on growth, nutritional state, general health, social interaction and behaviour and developmental outcomes. Many factors have an effect on feeding ability. Identification of these factors and amelioration of their impact on feeding difficulties is essential to promote adequate growth and nutrition. Appropriate assessment and management is best achieved by a multiprofessional team skilled in the care of children with cerebral palsy and feeding impairments. Feeding difficulties must be considered within the wider context of family and social circumstance.
Footnotes
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Funding This article received no specific funding; however, Dr Morag Andrew's salary is provided by the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.
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Competing interests None.
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Provenance and peer review Commissioned;
externally peer reviewed.
