Clinical Profile of Children with Cerebral Palsy in a Developmental Clinic in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Cerebral palsy (CP) remains the most common cause of chronic childhood disability worldwide. In Nigeria, there is a need to provide updated information to establish current clinical trends. This study described the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) who attended a developmental clinic in Lagos, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional design. Place and Duration of Study: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Centre in Lagos. Methodology: 75 children with cerebral palsy (CP) attending outpatient services at the clinic were enrolled. Participants aged 6 to 18 years were selected via total sampling over a six-month period. Assessment tools included the DSM-5, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and the Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: The mean age of the participants was 10.03 ± 3.37 years, with a male majority (56%). The predominant type of CP observed was spastic (88%), followed by dyskinetic (9.3%) and ataxic (2.7%) forms. Most children fell within GMFCS levels IV and V (46.7%). Conclusion: Trends in aetiology and clinical presentation of CP have remained relatively stable. However, there is an urgent need for improved maternal and child healthcare services in developing countries to reduce its morbidity. Additionally, effective interventions should be made accessible to enhance functionality in affected children.