An Open Discussion on the Definition of Cerebral Palsy

Course Description
Participants will gain an awareness of the historical evolution of the definition of cerebral palsy including the current (2007) consensus definition. Potential amplification and clarification of this definition suggesting continuity will be presented from the perspectives of epidemiology, genomics, health care limitations, rehabilitation and the lifespan. This will frame an open discussion with parental input about what challenges may lie ahead in any modification of the established definition.

Learning Objectives As a result of this educational session participants will be able to:

1. Identify potential challenges to the current definition of cerebral palsy from a variety of perspectives.
2. Identify more clearly children with and without cerebral palsy and those that that do not fit clearly into an either-or dichotomy.

Impact Statements

1. Accurately diagnose cerebral palsy.
2. Counsel families about what a diagnosis of cerebral means and does not mean for their child.

Organizer:
Michael Shevell, MDCM, FRCP, FCAHS; McGill University, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The History of the Definition of Cerebral Palsy and Epidemiologic Considerations
Michael Shevell, MDCM, FRCP, FCAHS

The Emergence of Genomics in Cerebral Palsy and Its Potential Impact on Definition
Michael Kruer MD; Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Low Resource Settings and Defining Cerebral Palsy
Gulam Khandakar, MBBS, MPH, DCH, PhD, FAFPHM; Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Rockhampton, Australia

Rehabilitation, Lifespan, ICF Considerations in Defining Cerebral Palsy
Annette Majnemer OT, PhD; McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada