Researcher's have identified a gene, Apolipoprotein E (APOE, that is associated with the development of cerebral palsy. APOE is a gene associated with heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease in adults, but it is also connected with newborns developing cerebral palsy.

This is the first identification of a gene that increases the likelihood of cerebral palsy. This study may in fact help doctors identify children who are at risk for poor neuro-development after brain injury. This would help them target these children for early therapeutic intervention.

Cerebral palsy affects 1 in 500 young children in the United States and has an annual economic toll of $5 billion. Cerebral palsy is the most costly of birth defects in the United States. Cerebral palsy is associated with impaired intellectual function, sensory deficits, behavioral disorders and seizures.

Did you know that cerebral palsy can sometimes be linked to medical malpractice? The Rasansky Law Firm has won multi-million lawsuits on the behalf of our cerebral palsy clients. If you believe your child's cerebral palsy may be the result of medical error, make sure you contact a cerebral palsy attorney today by calling 1 800 ATTORNEY.