Assessment of feeding performance in patients with cerebral palsy

Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently manifest oral-ingestive problems ranging from mild to severe. Drooling, rejection of solid foods, choking, coughing and spillage during eating may contribute to these problems. The aim of this study was to assess functional feeding skills of patients with CP, aged 4-25 years. They were assessed with the Modified Functional Feeding Assessment Scale (FFAm). Mothers had expressed concern regarding drooling and reluctance in accepting solid foods. None of the mothers thought that there was a major problem with adequate ingestion. However, the study revealed that patients had disabilities in spoon feeding, biting, chewing, cup drinking, straw drinking, swallowing and clearing.