What Are Some Risk Factors and Causes of Cerebral Palsy?

The simple answer is that brain damage causes cerebral palsy. This may occur before, during or after birth.

CP is a term used to describe a group of disorders that are identified by a disruption of motor control. When sections of the brain which are responsible for movement, balance and muscular control either develop incorrectly or are damaged, the result can be cerebral palsy. The section of the brain that is damaged determines what symptoms are displayed. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the severity of the brain damage. Sometimes brain damage occurs early in the pregnancy as a result of problems with blood supply to the fetus' brain.

Other times, damage will occur later on in pregnancy after the brain has already formed, as the child is delivered or in the first years of life.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy

German Measles - Doctors in the 1950's discovered contracting the German measles while pregnant could result in having a child with cerebral palsy. After an initial outbreak of the disease resulted in over 20,000 cerebral palsy births, doctors began inoculating expectant mothers. The result was an immediate decline in cerebral palsy births. German measles, or rubella, is a virus. After infecting the mother, the viral infection travels to the uterus and infects the fetus. The virus damages the fetus' developing central nervous system. Other viral infections like toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus can cause the same problems.

Rh Disease - Rh disease is a condition caused by the baby and mother having incompatible blood cells. The mother's body senses a foreign threat in the body and erroneously attempts to eliminate it. The mother produces antibodies to destroy the blood cells of the fetus. The fetus can become severely jaundiced and brain damaged as a result. Blood clotting can increase the risk of Rh disease. Doctors can now prevent Rh disease by identifying it before the 28th week of pregnancy. A blood product called Rh immune globulin is given to the Rh negative mother at the 28th week of pregnancy and right before the baby is born.

Insufficient Oxygenation - Proper oxygenation is needed for the brain to develop normally. Alcohol or drug abuse by the mother can cause brain damage in a developing fetus by inhibiting oxygen needed for normal brain development. The placenta supplies blood to the fetus. If the placenta tears or clots, blood supply bringing needed oxygen to the fetus can be compromised and result in brain damage as well.

Did you know that cerebral palsy may be the result of medical malpractice? It's true. Sometimes, error on the part of the physician, nurses, staff or hospital may result in damage to the fetus or baby. When this happens, you absolutely MUST consult with a cerebral palsy attorney. At the Rasansky Law Firm, our team of medical experts have been trained to identify the signs of malpractice. Contact us today for a free consultation.