Causes Of Cerebral Palsy

It has been found that seven out of 10 cerebral palsy cases resulted from events that occurred before birth. Such occurrences prevent the normal development of the brain. However, in several cases, it is difficult to pinpoint the actual cause of cerebral palsy.

There are six known causes of cerebral palsy. The first one is infections during pregnancy. Some of the infections acquired by mothers such as German measles and viral infection can contribute to cerebral palsy. These infections involve the placental membranes.

Another common cause of cerebral palsy is insufficient oxygen reaching the fetus. This has been the most common cause of cerebral palsy even though it only accounts for less than 10 percent of the reported cases. This happens when the placenta malfunctions, thereby leading to a disruption in the delivery of oxygen to the fetus.

Premature babies are also more susceptible to cerebral palsy. They are found to be 30 times more likely to develop cerebral palsy compared to normal babies. When bleeding in the brain develops in premature babies, destruction in the nerves that carry oxygen may occur and can eventually develop to cerebral palsy.

Excessive blood loss and lack of oxygen during delivery can also cause cerebral palsy. However, this accounts for less than 10 percent of the total number of cerebral palsy cases.

When the blood of the mother is incompatible with that of the fetus, cerebral palsy can also result. Such a disease is termed Rh disease. It can cause severe jaundice and brain damage. This can be prevented by injecting the mother with a blood product called Rh immune globulin. Blood clotting in either the mother or the fetus may also heigh10 the risk of acquiring cerebral palsy.

Lastly, cerebral palsy can also occur after birth when the child obtains brain injuries during his or her first two years of life. Examples of such injuries are brain infections such as meningitis. Almost 10 percent of the children with cerebral palsy acquire the illness after birth.

Cerebral Palsy provides detailed information on Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy Physical Therapy, Athetoid Cerebral Palsy and more. Cerebral Palsy is affiliated with Multiple Sclerosis Treatments.