Evaluation of Communication Functions in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Condition: Cerebral Palsy
MeSH terms: Paralysis; Cerebral Palsy
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      In this study, investigators aimed to evaluate the communication functions of children
      between 2-18 with cerebral palsy. Investigators planned to investigate the relationship
      between communication skills and clinical characteristics and socio-demographic status of the
      family.
    

Detailed description: 
      Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive, movement-limiting loss of permanent motor function,
      posture and movement disturbance in the developing brain due to lesion or injury that occurs
      during the intrauterine period or in the first months of life. Secondary medical problems
      such as epilepsy, mental retardation, behavior disorder, swallowing problems and
      musculoskeletal disorders may be seen in these patients. Neuroanatomical problems in the
      muscles associated with the mouth and speech, and the presence of central pathologies, are
      important problems in patients with cerebral palsy. Monitoring the communication level of
      these patients is very important for determining treatment protocols and monitoring their
      effectiveness. Difficulties in communication significantly affect the rate and level of
      recovery in patients with cerebral palsy. There are many different scales to analyze
      communication level and problems in children with cerebral palsy. The most commonly used ones
      are the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) and the Functional Communication
      Classification System (FCCS). By examining the communication level in 5 categories in both
      scales, it helps to monitor the communicative development of the child and also provides a
      common language among clinicians. They are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and
      focus on the levels of activity and participation defined in the international classification
      of function, disability and health.

      The aim of this study was to evaluate the communication level in children over 2 years of age
      with cerebral palsy. In addition, the relationship between communication skills and general
      functional levels and demographic characteristics will be investigated. In this way, both the
      general communication level of this patient group and the possible factors affecting this
      skill will be analyzed. Thus, these relationships and measurements can be utilized in
      determining treatment and rehabilitation protocols.
    

Intervention name(s): communication skill measurement with self report questionnaire
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): Demographic information form, Communication Function Classification System, Functional Communication Classification System, The Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification System will be filled in for the patients.
Observational model: Cohort
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        100 patients aged 2-18 years with cerebral palsy.
      
Keywords: cerebral palsy; communication