Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement and muscle tone. It is caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or after birth. The damage to the brain can be caused by a variety of factors, including premature birth, genetic factors, brain injury, infections, and maternal health. When seeking compensation for cerebral palsy caused by medical negligence, it is essential to hire the best cerebral palsy lawyer who can navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
Currently, while there is no cure for cerebral palsy, early diagnosis and treatment can help improve a person’s quality of life. In this article, we will discuss these five common causes of cerebral palsy in more detail.
1. Premature Birth
One of the most common causes of cerebral palsy is premature birth. Premature birth is defined as a birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk of developing cerebral palsy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 8% of all cerebral palsy cases are associated with premature birth.
Premature babies are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy because their brains are not fully developed. The brain is the most complex organ in the body and is still developing throughout pregnancy. The brain develops rapidly in the last trimester of pregnancy, and premature birth can interrupt this process.
2. Genetic Factors
Another common cause of cerebral palsy is genetic factors. While most cases of cerebral palsy are not inherited, some genetic disorders, such as chromosomal abnormalities, can increase the risk of cerebral palsy. Chromosomal abnormalities are changes in the number or structure of chromosomes. Chromosomes are the structures in the cells that carry our genetic information. There are several chromosomal abnormalities that can increase the risk of cerebral palsy, including down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.
3. Brain Injury
Brain injury is another common cause of cerebral palsy. This can occur before, during, or after birth. Brain injuries can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, head trauma, or infection.
A lack of oxygen to the brain, also known as hypoxia or asphyxia, can occur during childbirth if the baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a prolapsed umbilical cord, placental abruption, or a compressed airway. A lack of oxygen to the brain can cause damage to the brain cells and lead to cerebral palsy.
4. Infections
Infections during pregnancy can also increase the risk of cerebral palsy. This can include infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis. These infections can damage the developing brain of the fetus, leading to cerebral palsy.
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection that can cause serious birth defects if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy. The virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus, leading to brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can cause serious birth defects if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy. The virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus, leading to brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that can be found in undercooked meat and cat feces. If a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus, leading to brain damage and cerebral palsy.
5. Maternal Health
Maternal health can also play a role in the development of cerebral palsy. This can include conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition. These conditions can increase the risk of cerebral palsy in the developing fetus.
Maternal diabetes can increase the risk of cerebral palsy in the developing fetus. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the placenta, leading to a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the fetus. This can cause brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can also increase the risk of cerebral palsy in the developing fetus. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the placenta, leading to a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the fetus. This can cause brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Conclusion
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle tone. It is caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or after birth. Common causes of cerebral palsy include premature birth, genetic factors, brain injury, infections, and maternal health. Each of these causes can lead to brain damage, which can result in cerebral palsy.