Comorbidities And Quality Of Life In Cerebral Palsy Children Attending GB Pant Children Hospital, Srinagar Hospital Based Observational Study

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder of movement and posture resulting from early brain injury. It is associated with varying degrees of motor impairment, comorbidities, and diminished quality of life. Understanding the clinical profile, functional status, and lifestyle impact is essential for guiding multidisciplinary management and rehabilitation strategies. Aim: To evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinical subtypes, functional classification, comorbidities, and quality of life among children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 50 children diagnosed with CP. Demographic data, clinical types, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels, and comorbidities were recorded. Mental retardation was assessed using standard developmental scales. Quality of life was evaluated using the Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire for Cerebral Palsy (LAQ-CP). Data were analyzed to identify patterns of motor impairment, comorbid burden, and factors influencing lifestyle outcomes. Results: The majority of children were ≤5 years (76%), with a slight male predominance (56%). Spastic CP was the most prevalent type (82%), with quadriplegia being predominant. Functional assessment revealed that 60% of children were in GMFCS levels IV and V, indicating severe motor disability. Mental retardation was present in 96% of patients, predominantly moderate to profound in severity. Common comorbidities included speech problems (90%), orthopedic deformities (78%), visual impairment (56%), epilepsy (48%), and gastrointestinal issues (36%). Quality of life assessment revealed that children with bilateral spastic and dyskinetic CP had the highest Lifestyle Assessment Scores, reflecting greater functional and lifestyle limitations. A significant association was observed between higher GMFCS levels, comorbid burden, and poorer quality of life.Conclusion: Children with cerebral palsy demonstrate a high prevalence of severe motor impairment, mental retardation, and multisystem comorbidities, resulting in compromised quality of life. Early diagnosis, regular functional assessment, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation tailored to individual needs are essential to improve mobility, communication, and overall lifestyle outcomes. Emphasis on family-centered care and management of comorbidities can substantially enhance the quality of life in this population.