Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
07:05
Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin-A Injections: A Method of Treating Sialorrhea
Published on: November 9, 2016
Interventions for drooling in children with cerebral palsy
Margaret Walshe1, Martine Smith, Lindsay Pennington
1Clinical Speech and Language Studies,Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. walshema@tcd.ie
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|November 16, 2012
Summary
This review found insufficient evidence to conclude the effectiveness of interventions for drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Further research is needed to guide clinical practice for managing drooling in CP patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Drooling is a prevalent and distressing issue for children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- Consequences include social rejection, hygiene issues, infections, and communication difficulties.
- Current interventions for drooling in CP lack consensus on effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of interventions for reducing drooling in children with CP.
- Provide evidence to inform clinical practice and guide future research.
- Assess interventions including pharmacological and botulinum toxin-A treatments.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of multiple databases (inception to December 2010) and clinical trial registries.
- Inclusion of only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs).
- Independent data extraction and resolution of discrepancies.
Main Results:
- Six studies were included: four on botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) and two on pharmacological agents (benztropine, glycopyrrolate).
- No trials on surgery, therapies, behavioral interventions, or acupuncture were found.
- All included studies showed short-term statistically significant changes but had methodological flaws; meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists to determine the effectiveness and safety of BoNT-A or pharmaceutical interventions for drooling in children with CP.
- Current evidence cannot inform clinical practice for managing drooling in this population.
- Further high-quality research is required to establish effective interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
Equipment Required
01:31Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
01:25Deglutition
Swallowing, otherwise known as deglutition, facilitates the transport of food from the mouth to the stomach. It is a multifaceted process that involves both the tongue and the muscles of the throat and esophagus. Saliva and mucus aid in this process, which takes approximately 4 to 8 seconds for semi-solid or solid food and around 1 second for liquids or very soft food.
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...