Spectrum of Movement Disorders and Correlation with Functional Status in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Indian J Pediatr. 2022 Apr;89(4):333-338. doi: 10.1007/s12098-021-03785-7. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Abstract

Objectives: To detail the spectrum of movement disorders (MD) among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and assess impact on functional status.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, children with CP were recruited and examined for various MDs. Tone abnormality was assessed using Hypertonia Assessment Tool (HAT), functional status using Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised (GMFCS E&R), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). These scores were classified into mild-moderate (level I-III)/severe (level IV-V) categories.

Results: A total of 113 children (mean age 4.9 ± 3.4 y, 66.4% boys) were enrolled. MDs were noted in 52 (46%) children; the most frequent were dystonia (28%), chorea (14%), choreoathetosis (8%). Of 64 children with quadriparetic CP, 27 (42.2%) demonstrated MDs. Of 19 children with hemiparetic CP, 2 (10.5%) had MDs. Of 16 children with dyskinetic CP, 15 (93%) had MDs. Children with dyskinetic CP had significantly higher frequency of MDs (p = 0.001). There was no difference in occurrence of all MDs or dystonia aloneamongst the two categories (mild-moderate/severe) of GMFCS E&R levels, CFCS levels or MACS levels.

Conclusion: Although diverse MDs occur frequently in CP, these do not correlate with the broad functional status of the child. The study is limited by small sample size.

Keywords: Ataxic; Cerebral palsy; Dyskinetic; Movement disorders; Spastic.

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Palsy* / complications
  • Cerebral Palsy* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Functional Status
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Motor Skills
  • Movement Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Movement Disorders* / etiology
  • Severity of Illness Index