Growth in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is often accompanied by abnormalities of growth and nutrition; children with severe motor impairments are most at risk. Nutrition, neurological, and endocrine factors all contribute to suboptimal growth. Poor growth and nutrition are associated with poor general health outcomes and reduced levels of participation, and therefore warrant careful evaluation and appropriate intervention. The lack of normative data combined with the complex interaction of nutrition and nonnutrition factors contributing to growth in this population present real difficulties in management. Particular care is needed to avoid overfeeding and the resultant increase in fat mass and associated morbidity.