Causes
of Cerebral Palsy
Over the years, there has been
a persistent myth that cerebral palsy is caused by a lack of oxygenation during
the birth process. However, in fact, scientists at the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) have determined that babies who do suffer asphyxia
during the birth process rarely develop encephalopathy after birth. Also, a large
number of these infants grow up without any sign of cerebral palsy or other neurological
disorders. In reality, birth complications (including asphyxia) account for only
about 6% of the cases of congenital cerebral palsy.
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Feedback:
Oxygen
deprivation at birth accounts for only 6% of the cases of CP.
So what does cause cerebral
palsy?
First of all, cerebral palsy
can be categorized as either:
- congenital: the CP is
present at birth, although it may not be diagnosed for several months or even
years, or
- acquired: from brain
damage in the first few months or years of life.
Figure 2 summarizes major
causes of the brain damage that leads to either congenital or acquired cerebral
palsy.
Figure 2: Common Causes
of Cerebral Palsy
|
Congenital
CP
|
infections during pregnancy
(rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxiplasmosis)
jaundice
Rh incompatibility
severe oxygen shortage to brain or head trauma during birth process
stroke |
|
Acquired
CP
|
bacterial meningitis
viral encephalitis
head injury |
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Feedback:
Cerebral
palsy can be caused by events in the prenatal period, during childbirth,
and in early childhood.