Effect of Extra Oral Stimulation on Drooling ...

Effect of Extra Oral Stimulation on Drooling In Children with Cerebral Palsy: An Experimental Study

Author Name : Dr. Chanakya Patil, Dr. Rahul Bisen, Dr. Parag Ranade

ABSTRACT

Background: Cerebral palsy are often accompanied by motor disorders like disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition, communication, and behavior, by epilepsy, and by secondary musculoskeletal problems. CP may affect oral motor skills, leading to speech delay, drooling and difficulties with sucking, swallowing, and chewing. In children, the most common cause of drooling is CP, which persists in 10%–38% of these individuals. Management of drooling can be broadly divided into surgical and non-surgical approach. Non-Surgical treatment include pharmacological, oro-motor therapy.

Purpose: Studies have shown that intra oral stimulation has significantly improved drooling in children with cerebral palsy. There is dearth of literature available on extra-oral stimulation on drooling in children with Cerebral Palsy and its effect on it.

Methodology: Total of 38 subjects were included between the ages of 4 to 10 years. Subjects were divided into two group, conventional and experimental group. Subjects in experimental group were treated with extra-oral stimulation and conventional therapy. Treatment was given for 6 days a week for 4 weeks.

Results:  Significant difference was seen within the group and between the group in pre and post values of Drooling Quotient and Drooling Impact scale. The intragroup result showed statistical significance in control group as well as experimental group and along with the intergroup comparison between controls and experimental.

Conclusion: Extra-oral stimulation as an addition to conventional treatment resulted in reduction of drooling and showing positive impact on children and caregiver’s/parent life which is statistically as well as clinically significant. Thus, extra-oral stimulation can be used as an adjunct to conventional therapy for achieving better quality of life

Keywords: Drooling, Drooling Impact Scale, Drooling Quotient, Oro-motor therapy, Sialorrhea.