The role of computerized tomographic scan in the management of children with cerebral palsy

• Published in: The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 70 - 74
• Main Authors: Ibinaiye, P, Wammanda, D, Okpe, M, Kajogbola, G, Gbadamosi, A, Olarinoye-Akorede, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nigeria Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd 01-01-2015; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: computed tomography; cerebral palsy; children
• DOI: 10.4103/1117-1936.163371
• EISSN: 2468-6875
• ISSN: 1117-1936

Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the role of computed tomography (CT) scan in the management and evaluation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to categorize the CT findings and then relate them to their respective aetiologies, as well as the types of CP.
Materials and methods: The CT findings in 32 children consisted of 16 boys and 16 girls with age range of 2-61 months who were diagnosed of CP and with detailed clinical information were analysed. The 84.4% positive CT findings were analyzed to evaluate their relationship with the clinical types, as well as the aetiological basis for the CP.
Results: The spastic type found in 78.1% of the total number of children, had the highest positive findings. The yield was increased in children with birth asphyxia (46.9%) and neonatal jaundice (37.5%). The findings were those of cerebral atrophy in 46.9%, infarcts in 12.5%, hydrocephalus in 9.4% and porencephaly 6.3% of cases. Treatable lesions, such as Dandy Walker syndrome, tumour, hydrocephalus and porencephaly were identified in 25% of cases.
Conclusion: CT scan is no doubt efficacious in the management and evaluation of children with CP.