How Did the Lockdown Imposed Due to COVID-19 Affect Patients With Cerebral Palsy?

Abstract

Background: The novel coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) caused disruption of the treatment and follow-up evaluations of children with cerebral palsy. Aim: The change in mobility, pain, functional status, and spasticity was investigated who were followed in a pediatric rehabilitation unit after the lockdown. Methods: One hundred ten children were evaluated. Pain, severity of spasticity, botulinum toxin administration dates, and continuity of home exercises were recorded. The functional status was evaluated with the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). Results: The WeeFIM self-care and mobility subscale scores and total scores were significantly worse. Only 5 of the participants had pain in the previous evaluations; in the last evaluation, 29 had pain complaints. The pain and spasticity severity of the participants whose botulinum toxin administration was delayed were significantly increased. Conclusions: The children with cerebral palsy should be followed with telemedicine at short intervals, and when necessary, in the hospital.