Anaesthetic Management of a Child With Severe Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

Patients with cerebral palsy are known to present with numerous anaesthetic challenges due to spasticity, joint deformities, cognitive dysfunction, and behavioural abnormalities. Our patient was an eight-year-old girl with severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (SQCP) posted for cataract surgery with IOL (intraocular lens) placement under general anaesthesia. A thorough preanaesthetic checkup (PAC) was performed, after which the family members were counselled, and appropriate medications based on the patient’s condition were prescribed to prepare her for the anaesthetic and surgical procedures. We encountered initial challenges with cannulation and patient positioning, but apart from that, we successfully managed the patient throughout the surgical procedure, and recovery was smooth. We conclude that every patient may respond differently, but meticulous assessments and comprehensive planning, along with a multidisciplinary approach, can certainly ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for the patient and pose fewer challenges for the anaesthesiologist.