The transition to adulthood for children with cerebral palsy: what do we know about their health care needs?

Abstract

There have been significant changes in the clinical management of cerebral palsy (CP) during the past 2 decades. Gastrostomy tubes and nutritional supplements have been paramount in enhancing the life expectancy of those with CP. The literature shows that as many as 90% of children with CP can now expect to live to adulthood.1-4 As a result, CP is no longer considered to be a condition limited to childhood. However, emerging populations pose new challenges to those who provide health care support. This article presents an overview of what we know about the health care needs of adults with CP.