On Thursday June 7, 2018, 25 children were to be assessed by a pediatrician, a physical therapist, occupational therapist and a nutritionist, all from Machakos Level 5 Hospital. The children and their caregivers arrived by a chartered matatu and were registered before beginning their assessment in four separate rooms.
The following individual child summaries were compiled from the notes of the four professionals.
In addition to the individual summaries, the following also collates general needs and recommendations of the 25 children.
Disabilities Noted
23 Cerebral Palsy (The cause of Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury or brain malformation that occurs while the brain is developing — before, during, or after birth. As a result of the brain damage during brain development a child’s muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance can be affected.)
4 Autistic Mannerisms (Autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors. Because of the range of symptoms, this condition is now called autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
2 Microcephalus (Microcephaly is a condition where the head (circumference) is smaller than normal. Microcephaly may be caused by genetic abnormalities or by drugs, alcohol, certain viruses, and toxins that are exposed to the fetus during pregnancy and damage the developing brain tissue.)
1 Hydrocephalus (Hydrocephalus is a brain condition that happens when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the clear, watery fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord — can’t drain from the brain. It then pools, causing a buildup of fluid in the skull.)
1 Spina bifida (In babies with spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube fails to develop or close properly, causing defects in the spinal cord and in the bones of the spine. Spina bifida can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of defect, size, location and complications.)
1 Meningitis (Meningitis is an infection that affects the delicate membranes — called meninges — that cover the brain and spinal cord. There are several types of this disease, including bacterial, viral, and fungal.
Nutrition
7 Severely Malnourished
11 Moderately Malnourished
7 Satisfactory
Recommendations for Therapies
25 Occupational Therapy
21 Physiotherapy (Peter, Matrina, Anthony, Feix not noted for PT)
1 Orthopedic Review 8 Backslabs
2 Dental
1 Surgical Review (Peter)
2 Undescended Testicles (or abnormality)
Appliances Requested
5 Splints
3 Walking Aids
13 Wheelchairs