Primary Care of the Child with Cerebral Palsy: A Review of Systems (Part II)

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder of movement and posture with additional potential to affect cognitive status. Thus, the goals for management of the child with CP include the following: to promote optimal function; to maintain general health; to foster acquisition of new skills; to assist and educate parents and caregivers; and to anticipate, prevent, and treat the complications of this disorder. Pediatric management of the child with CP should begin at the time of diagnosis. This article is the second of two articles on CP. The first article focused on the diagnosis of CP, and this article will focus on a review of systems approach for management as well as resources for the family and the nurse practitioner.