Knowledge Hub

This is a seminal paper developed by leading clinicians and scientists in the field of cerebral palsy, to propose a new definition and classification of cerebral palsy. The resulting published work has been accepted globally and forms the basis of our understanding of what constitutes cerebral palsy.

Proposed definition and classification of cerebral palsy

Knowledge Hub

This is a seminal paper developed by leading clinicians and scientists in the field of cerebral palsy, to propose a new definition and classification of cerebral palsy. The resulting published work has been accepted globally and forms the basis of our understanding of what constitutes cerebral palsy.

Synopsis of resource

This review gives the reader an understanding of the current thinking behind the definition and classification of CP. It provides the historical perspective and takes the reader through the evolution of CP as a multi-dimensional disorder with associated non-motor neurodevelopmental disorders. It also provides a classification system based on current concepts, incorporating current investigation techniques. It is an absolute must read for anyone involved with or with an interest in Cerebral Palsy.

Key learning outcomes

  • Definition of Cerebral palsy (CP)
  • Understanding the evolution of the definition
  • Understanding the multi-dimensional nature of CP
  • Appreciating the associated impairmentsof CP
  • Knowing the classification systems for CP

Authors

This resource is work of a wide group of authors all notable in the field, including Matin Bax, Peter Rosenbaum and Nigel Paneth as lead authors of different sections.

INTRODUCTION

Executive Committee for the Definition of Cerebral Palsy

Martin Bax, DM FRCP, Co-chairman, Emeritus Reader in Child Health, Division of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Imperial College, London, UK.

Murray Goldstein*, DO, Co-chairman, Medical Director, United Cerebral Palsy Research & Educational Foundation, Washington DC, USA.

Peter Rosenbaum, MD, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Alan Leviton, MD, Neuroepidemiology Unit, Children’s Hospital, Carnegie, Boston, MA.

Nigel Paneth, MD, Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.

*Correspondence to second author at United Cerebral Palsy Research & Educational Foundation, 1660 L Street NW, Suite 700, Washington DC 20036-5602, USA. E-mail: mgoldstein@ucp.org

THE DEFINITION OF CEREBRAL PALSY

Peter Rosenbaum*

Bernard Dan, MD PhD, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants, Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.

Alan Leviton

Nigel Paneth

Bo Jacobsson, MD PhD, Perinatal Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital East, Göteborg, Sweden.

Murray Goldstein

Martin Bax

*Correspondence to first author at CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, IAHS Building, Room 408, 1400 Main Street West, Hamilton L8S 1C7, Ontario, Canada. E-mail: rosenbau@mcmaster.ca

THE CLASSIFICATION OF CEREBRAL PALSY

Nigel Paneth*

Diane Damiano, PhD PT, Washington University in St Louis, Department of Neurology, St Louis, MO, USA.

Peter Rosenbaum

Alan Leviton

Murray Goldstein

Martin Bax

*Correspondence to first author at Department of Epidemiology, Michigan State University, B636 West Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. E-mail: paneth@msu.edu

PDF link

PDF of original article in Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology also as a link https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2005.tb01195.x

With thanks to Mac Keith press