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Causes and Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy

The majority of people with cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder, are born with the disability. Birth complications and fetal damage are common causes of CP. At birth, certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing CP, per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

  1. Abnormal Development

    • Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development of the brain, resulting in some degree of brain damage. The severity of the brain damage varies from case to case.

    Birth Complications

    • If a child does not receive enough oxygen during the birth process, cerebral palsy can result. Cases of CP caused by a lack of oxygen are often diagnosed within the first few years of the child's life, though doctors now believe these cases are rare, per the Mayo Clinic.

    Fetal Damage

    • The fetus is especially vulnerable in the first 20 weeks of development. Fetal damage can be caused by infections, such as rubella or meningitis, fever or a fetal stroke.

    Developing CP

    • In some cases a child obtains cerebral palsy after birth. This is usually caused by child abuse or a motor vehicle accident.

    Risk Factors

    • Mothers who are mentally challenged or have seizures are more likely to give birth to a child with CP. Children born underweight (5.1 pounds or less) and premature babies are at greater risk of developing cerebral palsy.

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