Medical and functional status of adults with cerebral palsy

One hundred and one adults (19 to 74 years of age) with cerebral palsy were interviewed and examined. There were 52 subjects with dyskinesia, 28 with spastic quadriparesis, 11 with spastic diplegia, and 10 with spastic hemiplegia. Neuromuscular dysfunction was mild in two cases, moderate in 72 and severe in 27. 76 per cent of the subjects had multiple musculoskeletal problems. In 63 per cent, these occurred under 50 years of age, suggesting that abnormal biomechanical forces and immobility had led to excessive physical stress and strain, overuse syndromes, and possibly early joint degeneration. A number of the patients had urinary complaints due to difficulties with toilet accessibility and possible neurogenic bladder. General health care seemed satisfactory for acute illnesses, but preventive health care was almost totally lacking. Treatment for the musuculoskeletal system and availability of adaptive devices were less adequate than for children with cerebral palsy.