Seek to improve functions of the body by analysing and changing the nutrients or diet. Often seen as a prelude to other therapies to enable them to work more effectively. Dietitians work in a clinical setting with children with cerebral palsy, and are registered by the Health Professions Council. Nutritionists are differently and variously qualified. Techniques like hair analysis are advocated by some groups but are not regarded in the mainstream as evidence-based.
Difficulties with swallowing, food going down the wrong way, and/or difficulty keeping food down, very often lead to a need to attend to nutrition in people with cerebral palsy. Close attention also needs to be paid to nutrition in preterm or sick newborn babies. There is some help that a speech therapist can give with swallowing. An occupational therapist can help with suitable utensils for eating. If food is not being kept down because of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), a gastroenterologist may be needed to assess, and possibly to fit a gastrostomy tube. This ensures proper nutrition by feeding directly into the digestive system, either temporarily or permanently. Nutrition needs to be monitored all the time a child / young person with cerebral palsy is growing, and sometimes nutritional supplements are given.
A GP can make a referral to an NHS dietitian. Dietitians in private practice belong to the Freelance Dietitians Group, list at www.dietitiansunlimited.co.uk. A dietitian can be consulted online at www.eatatease.com.
There are several organisations for nutritionists, which are being brought together by the Nutrition Society, tel: 020 7602 0228, www.nutritionsociety.org. Find a Nutritionist facility on the website.
See also Oral Sensorimotor Treatment and Swallowing and eating correction
Nutrition Committee, Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS), Undernutrition in children with a neurodevelopmental disability. Canadian Medical Association Journal 1994; 151(6)tel: 753-9. Reference No. N94-04. Reprints from the Canadian Paediatric Society, 100-2204 Walkley Road, Ottawa ONK1G 4G8; tel: (613) 526-9397, or www.cps.ca/english/statements/N/n94-04.htm
Hillesund E et al. Micronutrient status in children with cerebral palsy. Acta Paediatrica 2007 Aug;96(8):1195-8.
