Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Recent data reported a significative polyhandicap percentage in subjects (S) with Cerebral Palsy (CP), resulting in a possible deviation from the natural course. We studied the relationship between polyhandicap and CP natural course by means of the following interfering factors (IF): mental deficiency, psycopathology, sensory disorders, frequent ilnesses, epilepsy, other Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, Autonomic Nervous System impairment, change in the articular levers balancement, osteoarticular deformities. We examined 34 S affected by pure and mixed dyskinetic CP with polyhandicap. Age: 0-6 y: 5S (pure forms: 2S; mixed forms: 3S); 7-12 y: 9S (pure forms: 2S; mixed forms: 7S); over 12 y: 20S (pure forms: 7S; mixed forms 13 S). Clinical examination was conducted according to a specific protocol for the quantitative assessment of the IF. 29 S (85%) maintained CP natural course, while 5S (2S: 7-12y, mixed forms; 3S: over 12y, 1S: pure form, 2S: mixed forms) did not. The most dysfunctioning IF were: deformities, mental deficiency, epilepsy, CNS Disorders. Conclusions: the deviations from neurodevelopmental course in dyskinetic CP may be accepted as variables that correct but don’t deny the foreseen development. The early correction of IF, however, is recommended to improve the motor prognosis and the recovery process.