Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy affects body movement and muscle coordination due to the damage to the motor and muscle control centers of the brain. It can affect the unborn baby (fetal stage), during childbirth or children in infancy, mostly up to the age of 3. It does not deteriorate with advancing age, and although its treatment relies more on therapy to improve kinesthetic skills and coordination, it cannot be completely cured. It refers to a group of neurological disorders; however, its exact causes are still not known.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy at Different Stages

In the Unborn: Children born with cerebral palsy have a congenital malformation of the brain, which means that this dysfunction already exists before birth, and is not caused during the labor period. There are many instances, where it is difficult to detect malformation in the unborn child's brain, even with new, sophisticated technology.

The brain development of the fetus can be affected, when the expectant mother is exposed to certain chemicals or infections. Addiction to alcohol, drugs, and smoking have been linked to blood vessel complications, that have a direct bearing on the central nervous system. Malnutrition in the mother affects the fetus's brain growth, resulting in palsy. Severe physical and mental trauma also play a role in retarding the unborn child's brain development. Infections such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, HIV, etc. may also be risk factors for cerebral palsy. It is ironic, that despite taking every possible care, children are born with it. In such instances, many parents hold themselves responsible, but the truth is that the above mentioned may or may not be one of the risk factors, as the exact cause is still not found.

During Childbirth: The occurrence of cerebral palsy during childbirth is a highly controversial matter. According to studies conducted by Sigmund Freud, brain damage occurs before the child's birth and not during the birthing process. His study has been disputed by many doctors, who believe that the process of childbirth can also have serious repercussions on the infant's brain. It is a known fact that labor is traumatic for the infant, and injuries occurring during birth, can cause cerebral palsy. Improved obstetric care has helped reduce birth injury, but can't ever completely eliminate it. Asphyxia is known to be a cause of this condition during labor, but the incidence is quite rare.

In Infants and Children: Premature and low-weight babies are at a higher risk for developing cerebral palsy. Sometimes, premature babies suffer from intraventricular hemorrhages, where internal bleeding and damage to the brain tissue that controls motor function and coordination, could lead to cerebral palsy. Children who suffer from injuries to the brain, are most likely to suffer from it. Asphyxia caused due to choking, drowning, poisoning, or an allergic reaction can damage the brain in many ways. A blow to the head, either in an accident or during an act of physical violence, can also cause the condition. Bacterial infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis can also lead to brain damage.

Cerebral palsy results in motor impairment, wherein the child is not able to coordinate muscle movement to carry out simple everyday tasks. There is no cure for this condition; however, life can be improved effectively using regular physical and occupational therapy.