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Positional asphyxia in individuals with severe cerebral palsy
T Brogan1, C L Fligner, J F McLaughlin
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
Insights
Positional asphyxia caused the accidental deaths of three individuals with cerebral palsy. This highlights the risks for disabled individuals with limited motor skills, similar to young children.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Public health
- Disability studies
Background:
- Positional asphyxia is a risk factor for accidental death.
- Individuals with cerebral palsy have limited motor skills.
Observation:
- Three deaths from positional asphyxia occurred in individuals with cerebral palsy.
- These deaths happened after the individuals were placed in bed.
- 12% of positional asphyxia deaths in King County, WA (1984-1989) involved individuals with cerebral palsy.
Findings:
- Accidents in individuals with cerebral palsy resemble those in healthy young children.
- Limited motor skills may be a contributing factor for both groups.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to understand risks for disabled individuals.
- Potential for modifications in bed design to prevent such accidents.
Abstract:
The authors report the accidental death by positional asphyxia of three individuals with cerebral palsy occurring after they had been placed in bed for the night. During the five-year period between 1984 and 1989, 12 per cent of deaths from positional asphyxia in King County, Washington, involved individuals with cerebral palsy. Such accidents are similar to those occurring among healthy young children, perhaps because both groups have limited motor skills. Further research into accidents among disabled persons may clarify their special risks and possibly lead to modifications in bed design.