Many children with cerebral palsy have difficulty controlling saliva. Drooling varies in severity and can be distressing for the children, families, and caregivers. Physical and psychosocial complications can range from mild and inconvenient symptoms to severe problems that can have a significant negative impact on quality of life.1


Physical complications:

Perioral chapping and maceration with secondary infection, dehydration, and foul odor.2

Psychosocial complications:

Isolation, barriers to education (such as inability to share books or computer keyboards), and increased dependency and level of care.2

Caretakers and loved ones may find it more difficult to demonstrate affection with affected patients, contributing to a potentially devastating stigmatization.