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Aim: To investigate the relationships among the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Using questionnaires describing each scale, mothers reported GMFCS, MACS, and CFCS levels in 222 children with CP aged from 2 to 17 years (94 females, 128 males; mean age 8y, SD 4). Children were referred from pediatric developmental/behavioral, psychiatry, and child neurology clinics, in the USA, for a case-control study of the etiology of CP. Pairwise relationships among the three systems were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients (r[subscript s]), stratifying by age and CP topographical classifications. Results: Correlations among the three functional assessments were strong or moderate. GMFCS levels were highly correlated with MACS levels (r[subscript s] = 0.69) and somewhat less so with CFCS levels (r[subscript s] = 0.47). MACS and CFCS were also moderately correlated (r[subscript s] = 0.54). However, many combinations of functionality were found. Of the 125 possible combinations of the three five-point systems, 62 were found in these data. Interpretation: Use of all three classification systems provides a more comprehensive picture of the child's function in daily life than use of any one alone. This resulting functional profile can inform both clinical and research purposes.

Most patients with seizure disorders can receive routine dental care. Patients may suffer from general seizures that affect the entire brain or partial seizures that involve a limited brain area. They may exhibit altered levels of consciousness during seizures. Most seizure disorders can be controlled with medication. Dentists should obtain a through medical history from all seizure patients and possess familiarity with anticonvulsants. The most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants are phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital. Approximately half of all patients taking phenytoin develop overgrown gum tissues. Surgical removal of excess tissue is necessary if oral function or appearance is compromised. In the event of a seizure in the dental office, the clinician should protect the patient from injury, maintain an open airway, monitor vital signs, and contact emergency medical personnel.