What Causes Cerebral Palsy

In a Nutshell: Top Takeaways

• Cerebral palsy is primarily caused by brain damage or brain malformations that occur while the brain is still developing.
• Common causes include prenatal brain damage, premature birth, and birth complications.
• Understanding the causes of cerebral palsy can help in early diagnosis and better management of the condition.

Table of Contents

• Overview of Cerebral Palsy
• Prenatal Causes
  • Genetic Mutations
  • Maternal Infections
• Perinatal Causes
  • Birth Asphyxia
  • Premature Birth
• Postnatal Causes
  • Brain Infections
  • Head Injuries
• FAQs
• Additional Resources

Overview of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. This condition is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, which affects muscle control and coordination.

• Key Features:
  • Muscle stiffness or floppiness
  • Poor coordination and balance
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills

Source: NHS

Prenatal Causes

The majority of cerebral palsy cases are caused by factors that occur during pregnancy.

Genetic Mutations

Genetic mutations can interfere with brain development and lead to cerebral palsy. These mutations can happen spontaneously or be inherited.

• Spontaneous genetic mutations
• Inherited conditions that affect brain development

Source: CDC

Maternal Infections

Infections in the mother during pregnancy can affect the developing fetal brain. These include viral infections such as:

• Cytomegalovirus
• German measles (rubella)
• Herpes simplex

Source: Mayo Clinic

Perinatal Causes

Perinatal causes of cerebral palsy are events or conditions occurring immediately before or during birth.

Birth Asphyxia

A lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during childbirth (birth asphyxia) can cause cerebral palsy. This can happen due to:

• Complicated labor
• Umbilical cord problems
• Prolonged labor

Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

Premature Birth

Babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks) are at higher risk for cerebral palsy. The risk increases the earlier the baby is born.

• Immature brain development
• Higher susceptibility to brain injuries

Source: NINDS

Postnatal Causes

Postnatal causes refer to factors that occur after birth and can result in cerebral palsy.

Brain Infections

Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis can cause inflammation that damages the brain.

• Bacterial meningitis
• Viral encephalitis

Head Injuries

Severe head injuries in infancy or early childhood can lead to cerebral palsy.

• Falls or accidents
• Shaken baby syndrome

Source: WHO

FAQs

1. What are common early signs of cerebral palsy?
   • Delays in reaching developmental milestones, muscle stiffness or floppiness, and uncoordinated movements.
2. Is cerebral palsy caused by a genetic condition?
   • While some cases are linked to genetic mutations, many are due to other factors occurring during pregnancy or birth.
3. Can maternal infections lead to cerebral palsy?
   • Yes, infections such as cytomegalovirus or rubella can affect fetal brain development.
4. Does premature birth increase the risk of cerebral palsy?
   • Yes, babies born prematurely have a higher risk due to underdeveloped brains and greater susceptibility to brain injuries.
5. Can cerebral palsy develop after birth?
   • Yes, it can result from brain infections or severe head injuries in early childhood.
6. Is there a cure for cerebral palsy?
   • There is no cure, but early intervention and therapy can help improve function and quality of life.

Additional Resources

For more in-depth information, visit:
– Cerebral Palsy Alliance
– What Causes Cerebral Palsy
– March of Dimes