Abstract
Objective: To examine the possible etiological factors, the clinical types, and the consequences of cerebral palsy in Mosul.Methods: This prospective descriptive (case series study) took place in children’s teaching hospitals Mosul. All children diagnosed as cerebral palsy between March 2000 and March 2005 were recruited for this study. Children without a clear diagnosis and those below the age of 12 months were excluded. Thus 306 Patients were recruited prospectively from those attending the inpatients and outpatients clinics of children’s teaching hospitals in Mosul. The caretakers of children were asked to fill in questionnaire. The patients were examined and classified. They were also assessed by an ophthalmologist and an audiologist; computerized tomography of the brain and EEG were performed when appropriate. Results: There were 306 patients; 184 were females and l22were males. The female to male ratio was 1.5:1 .Birth asphyxia accounted for 118 (38.6%) of cases. Low birth weight accounted for 70 (22.9%) of cases. The etiology was undetermined in 66 (21.4%). Neonatal jaundice: 32 (10.5%), meningoencephalitis:16(5.2%), and brain malformations in 4 (1.3%), spastic cerebral palsy was found in 244(79.7%) of the clinical typing, psychomotor delay was present in 96 (31.4%) and epilepsy was reported in 114 (37.3%). Ocular problems were reported in 152 (49.7%); speech problems were reported in 108 (35.3%); and hearing problems were reported in 8(2.0%).Conclusion: The etiological factors of cerebral palsy are sometimes preventable in our region. Improvement in antenatal, natal, and perinatal care is essential in the reduction of the incidence of cerebral palsy.
