Simply put, brain damage causes cerebral palsy. The brain damage can occur before, during or after birth. Most cases of brain damage causing cerebral palsy occur before a baby is born.

Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of disorders characterized by a disruption of motor control. When areas of the brain responsible for movement, balance and muscular control either develop incorrectly or are damaged, the result can be cerebral palsy. The part of the brain damaged determines what symptoms are displayed. The severity of the symptoms depends 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. Sometimes damage occurs later in pregnancy after the brain has already formed, as the child is delivered or in the first years of life. How brain damage occurs is not always known. Doctors have identified risk factors for brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy. Expectant mothers should avoid these risk factors to lower the possibility of having a child with cerebral palsy.

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. .

Causes of Cerebral Palsy after Birth

Brain damage occurring after birth results in about 10 to 20 % of cerebral palsy cases. Occasionally, brain damage occurs from asphyxia, or suffocation, during difficult labor or delivery. More often, brain damage causing cerebral palsy occurs from factors not related to the birthing process.

If not present at birth, cerebral palsy is most likely acquired in the first few years of life. Brain infections like bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis can result in cerebral palsy. Brain damage in children is often caused by head injuries from car accidents, falls or child abuse. Severe, untreated jaundice can cause brain damage. Bile pigments in the blood stream leftover from blood cells destruction build up and damage brain cells.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is difficult to diagnose immediately after birth. Most children don't show symptoms until they fail to achieve developmental milestones. Early signs of cerebral palsy include babies with abnormal muscle tone. If you think your child is abnormally floppy or rigid consult with a doctor. Additionally, if your child seems developmentally delayed, bring them to a heath care professional for testing. Cerebral Palsy is treated best when early diagnosis is made.