[The role of neuropaediatrician in the comprehensive management of children with cerebral palsy].

The child with cerebral palsy becomes the adult with cerebral palsy. In Japan early detections and treatments of CP have enthusiastically brought into practice over the last twenty years. But cerebral palsy could not be cured. Children/adults with CP should be provided comprehensive treatments and cares so that they can perform their daily activities and fulfil their social roles expected during their lifetime. There are two concepts needed to provide comprehensive management of CP. The first is a medical model that assesses CP in the following manner: etiology-pathology-manifestation. The other is a disability model based on three seperate categories suggested by WHO: impairment-disability-handicap. Keeping these in mind, total effective approaches to children/adults with CP were discussed. Neuropaediatricians are asked to play important roles which contain epidemiologic activities, early detections, and medical treatments. They should refer clients and their families to related professionals if necessary and have also knowledges of assisstive equipments to enrich their lives.