Acute functional deterioration in a child with cerebral palsy. (18th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smyth, Elizabeth; Kaliaperumal, Chandrasekaran; Leonard, Jane; Caird, John
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2012
• Publication Date: 2012-12-18
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2012-007642
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We describe a case of acute functional deterioration in a 13-year-old girl with severe spastic diplegia (GMFCS III) and a new diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). She presented with acute deterioration in mobility and motor function over 1 month, which was associated with dysarthria, dysphagia and behavioural change. Her mother had noticed subtle functional deterioration over the 2 months prior to this. Her physiotherapist who was concerned about her acute functional deterioration referred her for emergency review. Neurological imaging revealed a diffuse pontine lesion consistent with DIPG. She was subsequently referred to oncology. She deteriorated further, clinically, over the next few days and following discussion with the team; her family opted for palliative treatment, given the poor prognosis associated with DIPG.