What Are The Causes Of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by injury to the parts of the brain that control the ability to use muscles. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness in the muscles. Often the injury happens before birth, sometimes during delivery, or soon after being born. This article will provide information on the causes of cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy occurs in about 2/1000 children. There can be many different causes of cerebral palsy. If the brain does not grow or form properly can be one of the causes of cerebral palsy. In the early months of pregnancy if the mother is exposed to certain infections such as Rubella or if there is any abnormality in early brain development, cerebral palsy may occur. The child not receiving enough oxygen during labor or at birth can be one of the causes of cerebral palsy. Shortly after birth, if the child develops a severe infection, such as meningitis, cerebral palsy may result. Children having accidents early in life that result in permanent brain injury is one of the causes of cerebral palsy.

At times, in some patients, the cause of cerebral palsy is unknown. However with MRI’s and sophisticated blood tests more causes are slowly being identified.

Cerebral palsy or CP can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild CP may mean a child is clumsy. Moderate CP may mean the child walks with a limp. More severe CP can affect all parts of a child's physical abilities. A child with moderate or severe CP may have to use a wheelchair and other special equipment. No matter what the causes of cerebral palsy, sometimes children can also have learning problems, problems with hearing or seeing, or mental retardation. Usually when the causes of cerebral palsy involve a greater brain injury, the more severe the CP will be.

Parents have a tendency to worry about the causes of cerebral palsy and why it has happened in their family. This is understandable and a natural response. Parents, at times, blame themselves for something they may or may not have done during the pregnancy or birth. However it’s important to remember that usually the event for which the family blame themselves is either not one of the causes of cerebral palsy or could not have been prevented. CP doesn't get worse over time, and most children with CP have a normal life span.