What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

A: Brain damage is the cause of Cerebral Palsy. The brain damage can occur before, during, or after birth. Brain damage caused while the fetus is still in the womb could occur from an infection the mother sustained while pregnant, abuse of alcohol or drugs, poor nutrition or any number of other factors. After birth, brain damage causing cerebral palsy could occur from child abuse, pre-mature birth, viral infection or head injury.