Associations between Manual Abilities, Gross Motor Function, Epilepsy, and Mental Capacity in Children with Cerebral
Ewa Gajewska1, Magdalena Sobieska1, Włodzimierz Samborski1
1Chair for Physiotherapy, Department,, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, 28 Czerwca 1956r. 135/147 61-545, Poznań, Poland.
Insights
Epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is linked to poorer hand function and greater mental impairment. This association is particularly noted in those with hemiplegia and diplegia, impacting conscious motor functions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function and can co-occur with epilepsy and cognitive impairments.
- Understanding the interplay between these conditions is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate gross motor function and hand function in children with CP.
- To explore the association between these functions, epilepsy, and mental capacity in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 83 children with CP (classified by motor type) were assessed for epilepsy and mental capacity.
- Neurological and psychological evaluations were performed, alongside classification using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification Scale.
Main Results:
- Epilepsy was diagnosed in 35 children, and varying degrees of mental impairment were observed in 70 children.
- Epilepsy was associated with disturbed conscious motor functions and a higher degree of mental impairment.
Conclusions:
- Epilepsy in children with CP correlates with worse manual function and limitations in conscious motor skills.
- A significant association exists between epilepsy in CP and the degree of mental impairment, especially in hemiplegic and diplegic subtypes.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate gross motor function and hand function in children with cerebral palsy to explore their association with epilepsy and mental capacity.
Material & Methods:
The research investigating the association between gross and fine motor function and the presence of epilepsy and/or mental impairment was conducted on a group of 83 children (45 girls, 38 boys). Among them, 41 were diagnosed with quadriplegia, 14 hemiplegia, 18 diplegia, 7 mixed form, and 3 athetosis. A neurologist assessed each child in terms of possible epilepsy and confirmed diagnosis in 35 children. A psychologist assessed the mental level (according to Wechsler) and found 13 children within intellectual norm, 3 children with mild mental impairment, 18 with moderate, 27 with severe, and 22 with profound. Children were then classified based on Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification Scale.
Results:
The gross motor function and manual performance were analysed in relation to mental impairment and the presence of epilepsy. Epilepsy was found to disturb conscious motor functions, but also higher degree of mental impairment was observed in children with epilepsy.
Conclusion:
The occurrence of epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy is associated with worse manual function. The occurrence of epilepsy is associated with limitations in conscious motor functions. There is an association between epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy and the degree of mental impairment. The occurrence of epilepsy, mainly in children with hemiplegia and diplegia is associated with worse mental capacities.
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