• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Treatment
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
two boys with IV packs
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders > Cerebral Palsy and Malnutrition
Last Updated: April 18, 2022

Cerebral Palsy and Malnutrition

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

People with cerebral palsy may be at risk for malnutrition or being undernourished. Cerebral palsy sometimes affects the muscles and movements involved in chewing, swallowing, and eating and can cause gastrointestinal issues. Managing nutritional health in a child with cerebral palsy includes therapies and simple eating strategies.

Dysphagia – Oral Motor Dysfunction

One of the main reasons that a child with cerebral palsy is at risk of developing a nutritional problem is dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. This makes eating difficult, but it also makes breathing difficult and may increase the risk of choking. Dysphagia is most common in children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy.[1]

The muscles that are coordinated to move food from the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach are complexly linked. In a child with cerebral palsy, these muscles are commonly affected, and swallowing, talking, and breathing may be impaired.

Dysphagia may be oropharyngeal, occurring in the muscles of the oral cavity and back of the throat, or esophageal, which affects the lower part of the esophagus and entry into the stomach.

Strategies to improve eating and swallowing with dysphagia include changing the consistency of food to make it softer, thinner, or thicker as needed, chewing more thoroughly, and eating smaller portions of food multiple times a day.

Muscle exercises guided by a physical therapist or speech-language pathologist can also help a child swallow more easily. In severe cases, feeding tubes may be necessary.[2]

Other Causes of Malnutrition

Dysphagia is not the only complication of cerebral palsy that can cause problems with eating and nutrition. Other muscle and motor difficulties may make eating difficult, such as difficulty holding utensils.

In these cases, meal times may be long and tiring, and a child may give up before consuming adequate calories and nutrients. Making foods easier to eat, using adaptive equipment, and having smaller meals more frequently can help.

Gastrointestinal health can also play a role in nutritional deficits. Gastroesophageal reflux is not uncommon with cerebral palsy and causes heartburn, ulcers, and pain.

These symptoms make eating difficult, and many children may refuse to eat because of the discomfort it causes. It is important to monitor gastrointestinal health in these children and treat the acid reflux with medications and provide a diet that reduces reflux where indicated.

Consequences of Poor Nutrition

If a child is not eating enough or is not getting enough macro and micronutrients because of food choices, the results can be long-lasting. Poor nutritional status may cause:

  • Specific vitamin deficiencies
  • Constipation
  • Tooth decay
  • Decreased bone density
  • Poor or delayed growth
  • Failure to thrive in infants
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Incontinence
  • Diarrhea
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Halitosis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

Some of the common specific deficiencies that children with cerebral palsy experience are overall calories, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.

Each of these comes with its consequences and symptoms. Supplementing with the missing nutrient may be necessary.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that children with a “physical disability” are at risk of malnutrition if they are “prone to pressure sores caused by immobility or poor nursing which can become seriously infected.”[3]

A child with cerebral palsy may even suffer from being overweight or obese. This may result from poor food choices, eating foods that taste good and are easy to eat instead of considering nutrition, and the fact that many kids with cerebral palsy are unable to be very active.

Many of the consequences of poor nutrition can be reversed, but the problems may persist for years when severe.

Working with a Dietitian

Addressing and treating the underlying cause of malnutrition is an essential first step, whether that means therapy to make swallowing easier or better utensils to make self-feeding easier. However, it is also important that a child with nutritional deficits get professional guidance in food choices and maintain a good diet balance.

A registered dietitian can help parents and children develop a meal plan to provide all the nutrients and calories a child needs. A dietitian will also create a meal plan that considers a child’s unique needs and difficulties, including the use of nutritional shakes and supplements.

Supplementing with vitamin D, calcium, and other oral supplements may be required.[4] Since children with cerebral palsy are generally less active, they are more likely to develop weak bones.

Nutrition is an important consideration when raising any child. All children grow and develop and need the right nutrition and adequate calories to develop normally. This is equally important, though often much more challenging, when considering the care of a child with cerebral palsy.

A child with this condition may struggle to swallow anything and may end up with malnutrition and undernourishment as a result.

The consequences over the long term can be devastating. Still, by treating the underlying causes and by developing a well-rounded diet, malnutrition can be avoided or corrected to help these children reach their best health outcomes.

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. Kim JS , et al. (n.d.). Characteristics of dysphagia in children with cerebral palsy, related to gross motor function. - PubMed - NCBI. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
    Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23739271
  2. Erlichman, M. (1989). The Role of Speech Language Pathologists in the Management of Dysphagia. Health Technol. Assess. Rep. (1), 1-10.
    Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2697321/
  3. Malnutrition and disability: unexplored opportunities for collaboration. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC) National Institutes of Health.
    Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232244/
  4. Fragale, N., Navarre, N., & Rogers, J. (2018). General Nutrition for Children with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy, 1-10.
    Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-319-50592-3_23-1
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience working with pediatric patients in primary care as well as adolescent mental health.

See Full Bio

Secondary Sidebar

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body Parts
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Maternal and Fetal Infections
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2023 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines