Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder in children.While the incidence remains constant, epidemiology has changed over the years.Aetiologies in Sri Lanka may differ from those of other countries due to many factors.

Early identification of children with disabilities with factors restricting accessibility to rehabilitation services is crucial in ensuring that appropriate interventions are provided promptly. We lack this important data on CP in Sri Lanka.

Objectives

To study the aetiology of CP, time at diagnosis, time taken to start rehabilitation,and to identify factors for delay in diagnosis and referral.

Design, Setting and Method

A descriptive cross sectional retrospective study among 100 children fulfilling the definition of international classification and definition of Cerebral palsy,aged two years and above were selected from rehabilitation services and neurology clinics at LRH to undergo a interviewer administered questionnaire.

Results

Majority had spasticity (78%) with four limb involvement (55%) and GMFCS IV and V (59%)

Most were term (59%) . 25% were below 32 weeks. 45% were resuscitated at birth. 28% had neonatal sepsis.

Mean age at referral was 8.6 months (SD10.3) for PT and OT. Most were not referred for cortical visual stimulation (79%)

Main Reason for delay in referral were clinician (82%) and parent (84%) factors.Once referred the services were started fairly promptly.

Conclusion

The study reveals the need for optimising the neonatal care, vigilance in high risk babies and importance of educating all stakeholders involved to ensure prompt referral for rehabilitation services .