Objective Methods for Feeding Assessment in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: A set of long-term abnormalities in posture and motor development that limit activities is known as cerebral palsy (CP).  Oromotor dysfunction affects up to 92% of children with CP. Children upsuffering from dysphagia may exhibit a variety of swallowing  difficulties that impact one or more swallowing processes. Utilising diagnostic imaging techniques, the physiology of deglutition must be  investigated in order to address swallowing issues.

Objective: This review aimed to discuss the objective methods for feeding assessment in children with CP as, videofluoroscopic swallow  study (VFSS), flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), ultrasonography (US), upper gastrointestinal series and endoscopic  evaluation.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for the following keywords: CP, Feeding assessment in  children, VFSS, FEES, and ultrasonography. The authors additionally screened references from the relevant literature, including all of the  identified research and reviews but only the most current or full study was chosen.

Conclusion: The VFSS provides dynamic visualisation  of the oral, pharyngeal, and upper esophageal phases of swallowing throughout the contrast bolus passage, whereas the FEES allows for  direct examination of the pharyngeal and laryngeal structures, as well as airway protection, without the need for barium or radiation  exposure and with the ability to perform bedside exams. US may be used to quantitatively assess the oral and laryngeal stages of  swallowing. US can accurately assess relative laryngeal movement.