EARLY DIAGNOSIS IN CEREBRAL PALSY: ACTUAL SITUATION IN SPAIN AND WAYS OF IMPROVEMENT

Download or read book EARLY DIAGNOSIS IN CEREBRAL PALSY: ACTUAL SITUATION IN SPAIN AND WAYS OF IMPROVEMENT written by Maru00eda Navarro Martu00ednez and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduction: The prevalence of cerebral palsy is 2.1 cases per 1.000 which suppose the most common physical disability in childhood. Etiology remains still unclear in 80% of cases, but new studies suggests a genetic component in 14% of cases. Purpose: Due to the variability existing in the age of the diagnosis of cerebral palsy in different countries, we carried out this study to know at what age cerebral palsy is diagnosed in our environment/country and the tools commonly used. Methods: Multi-centric observational study through an online survey to different professionals in relation with the diagnosis and treatment of the cerebral palsy. In this survey, we asses the age at which cerebral palsy is diagnosed in our country, at what age an early diagnosis could be made, what tools are usually used for diagnosis and we also analyze in there are differences in the answers obtained according to speciality. Results: - Most of professional do have an infant unit. - Age of diagnosis: half of physiotherapists think between 5-12 months, half of physiatrists at 12-18 months. - Possible age: physiotherapists and physiatrists believe 5-12 months. - Diagnostic tools used: combination of complementary tests and physical examination, including Hammersmith and general movements.Conclusions: Early diagnosis of cerebral palsy allows earlier intervention optimizing neuroplasticity and functional outcomes. There are different standardized tools that demonstrate that an early diagnosis is possible and that we should use in our daily clinical practice.