Cerebral Palsy-Sensibility deficiencies in the hands of children with spastic hemiplegia

Sensibility deficiencies in the hands of children with spastic hemiplegia

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This study evaluated 40 children with spastic hemiplegia, a condition caused by cerebral palsy, and found that sensory deficits were common in these children. The sensory function of each limb was tested in terms of stereognosis (ability to recognize objects by touch), two-point discrimination, and proprioception (position sense). The study found that 97% of the spastic limbs had stereognosis deficits, 90% had two-point discrimination deficits, and 46% had proprioception deficits. Children with severe stereognosis deficits had significantly smaller limbs compared to those with mild or moderate deficits. The study suggests that severe size discrepancy between the affected and unaffected limbs can be used as an indicator of severe sensory deficits in children with spastic hemiplegia. This information can be useful for hand surgeons in establishing realistic surgical goals.<br /><br />Previous studies have reported sensory deficits in children with cerebral palsy, but this study specifically focuses on children with spastic hemiplegia. The study found a higher incidence of sensory deficits in this specific population compared to previous studies that included a mix of different types of cerebral palsy. Sensory deficits were found to be more common in spastic hemiplegia patients than previously reported, including deficits in stereognosis, two-point discrimination, and proprioception.<br /><br />All children in the study had size discrepancies between their affected and unaffected limbs, with the spastic limb being smaller in all parameters measured. There was a correlation between size discrepancy and severity of stereognosis deficits. However, a larger study with longitudinal data would be needed to explore the relationship between growth and size and sensory status.<br /><br />The study emphasizes the importance of thoroughly evaluating sensory function in addition to motor function, intelligence, motivation, and age in the preoperative evaluation of children with cerebral palsy. Sensory deficits should be taken into consideration when setting surgical goals, as severe sensory impairment may limit the expected outcomes of the surgery.

Keywords

spastic hemiplegia

cerebral palsy

sensory deficits

stereognosis

two-point discrimination

proprioception

limb size discrepancy

hand surgeons

preoperative evaluation

surgical goals