Intake of High-Calorie Diet and Phytonutrients: A New Paradigm to Treat Cerebral Palsy in Children

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) encompasses neurodevelopmental disorders affecting movement and posture, arising from nonprogressive brain damage during prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal periods. Diagnosis typically occurs between ages 3 and 5, with symptoms including abnormal muscle tone and impaired motor skills. CP's etiology is diverse, ranging from genetic predispositions to perinatal complications, often exacerbated by poor nutrition. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, therapists, surgeons, psychologists, and social workers to address motor impairments and co-morbidities like epilepsy, cognitive deficits, and sensory impairments. Neurological rehabilitation, primarily through physical and occupational therapies, forms the cornerstone of CP management. Addressing feeding difficulties, common in CP, often necessitates enteral or parenteral feeding, each with potential complications. High-calorie formulas offer a promising strategy to combat undernutrition and improve motor outcomes. Research also explores the potential benefits of natural compounds like kaempferol and resveratrol, though further investigation is needed.