Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, University College Hospital,
Ibadan, Nigeria
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Ikeoluwa A. Lagunju, Department of
Pediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. E-mail:
ilagunju@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the leading causes of childhood
disability worldwide, with the greatest burden found in the developing
countries of the world. A longitudinal study was carried out on all consecutive
new cases of CP who presented at the neuro-developmental clinic in Nigeria over
a period of 6 months to evaluate the continuum of care available to children
with CP following diagnosis. At the end of 1-year post-enrolment into the
study, all cases were evaluated for survival, on-going rehabilitative care,
functional improvement and reasons for default. Eighty-two children were
enrolled into the study. Mean age was 25.3 ± (SD=25.5) months and the
leading causes of CP were birth asphyxia (39.0%), bilirubin encephalopathy
(24.4%) and post infectious brain damage (18.3%). By the end of 1~year,
61 (74.4%) had defaulted from follow up, 11 (13.4%) had died and only 21
(25.6%) were still receiving rehabilitative care. The major reasons for
default were financial constraints, no improvement in condition and the
hospital being too far from place of residence. Presence of severe functional
impairment and absence of epilepsy were associated with an increased risk of
default from medical care. In conclusion, CP remains a major cause of
neurodisability in Nigeria. There is a high default rate with majority of
children lacking ready access to medical care and education. There is an urgent
need for improvement in medical services in the country and social support for
children with CP and their families.
