Year: 2024 | Month: June | Volume: 14 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 230-236
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240634
A Study to Assess the Frequency and Severity of Drooling Among Cerebral Palsy Children in Selected Special Schools of Pune
Apraj Sejal1, Dr. Venkatesan Ramakrishnan2, Dr. Albin Jerome3
1Physiotherapy Intern, St. Andrews College of Physiotherapy, Pune
2Assistant Professor, St. Andrews College of Physiotherapy, Pune
3Principal, St. Andrews College of Physiotherapy, Pune
Corresponding Author: Apraj Sejal
ABSTRACT
Aim: The study aims to assess the frequency and severity of drooling among cerebral palsy children.
Objective:
To determine the frequency of drooling using the Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg – Drooling Rating Scale.
To determine the severity of drooling using the Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg – Drooling Rating Scale.
Methodology: The purpose of the study was to assess the frequency and severity of drooling among children with CP in the Pune region. A convenient sample of 182 children aged 4-11 years with CP was recruited. The Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg Drooling Rating Scale was used to measure drooling severity and frequency.
Results and Conclusion: In this study we found that the frequency of drooling varied across different subtypes of spastic CP, with quadriplegic CP exhibiting the highest frequency of drooling, followed by diplegia and hemiplegia. Similarly, the severity of drooling was most pronounced in children with quadriplegic CP, with a significant proportion experiencing moderate to profuse drooling. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive management strategies tailored to the specific needs of children with CP to improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
Clinical Implication: Understanding the frequency and severity of drooling among children with CP can inform healthcare professionals' treatment decisions, leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of life. Interventions such as medication, oral motor therapy, and surgical procedures may be recommended based on individual patient needs.
Key words: Cerebral palsy, drooling, severity, frequency, assessment, children