A child with Cerebral Palsy will likely face a number of health concerns during his or her lifetime. One of the most common – and the most vexing in terms of management – is dysphagia.
Commonly referred to as oral-motor dysfunction, dysphagia is more common among children with moderate to severe cases of Cerebral Palsy. It’s a dangerous condition that, if left mismanaged, can cause numerous life-threatening consequences, up to and including death – primarily due to the ability to block a person’s airway. For that reason, dysphagia must be vigilantly monitored by parents, caretakers and medical professionals.