Causes and Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by brain damage or abnormal development, often due to oxygen deprivation, infections, or head injuries. Risk factors include premature birth, low birth weight, maternal infections, multiple pregnancies, and delivery complications. Following are some causes and risk factors of cerebral palsy:-
Causes that affect during Pregnancy and Birth
These damages can happen before and during birth. Here are some causes:
- Premature birth.
- Lack of blood flow to the brain of the fetus.
- Birth defects happen as the baby’s brain doesn’t develop properly while in the womb.
- Infection in the brain or spinal cord.
- Genetic problems that affect the fetus.
- Brain damage due to bilirubin (a substance created by your liver) buildup.
- Brain damage is caused by a newborn breathing a mixture of its first feces and amniotic fluid into the lung during the delivery. Due to this, there can be a lack of oxygen in the uterus which may lead to brain damage.
- Newborn low blood sugar.
Causes that affect after Birth
The baby can develop cerebral palsy after birth. Here are some causes:
- Accidental injury.
- Asphyxiation (oxygen deprivation that can cause unconsciousness or even death).
- Stroke, bleeding, or infections in the brain.
- Jaundice.
Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy
The following are some risk factors for cerebral palsy:
- Having a low birth weight.
- Infertility treatment of the mother.
- Infections during pregnancy.
- Fever during pregnancy.
- Toxic chemical exposure during pregnancy.
- Some medical conditions of the mother like abnormal thyroid function, excess protein in urine, seizures, and developmental or intellectual disability.
- Complicated delivery.
- Infants who have seizures.
- Jaundice in infants.
- Injuries in infants.
Knowing the risk factors will help you take proactive steps and may prevent the chances of cerebral palsy.
Preventive Measures for Cerebral Palsy
Experts still don’t know the exact cause of the cerebral palsy. That’s why they cannot recommend a particular method to prevent it completely. Having said that, it does not mean that you cannot do anything as parents to reduce the risk of CP.
Following preventive measures will help you take action if or when there is brain or nerve damage to the fetus or the newborn baby:
Before Pregnancy:
You need to stay healthy by controlling health conditions and treating infections and diseases when you plan to conceive. Get vaccines for diseases like flu, rubella, and chicken pox.
In case, you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or any sexually transmitted infections, you need to treat them properly before you get pregnant. Along with that, stop smoking, and taking too much alcohol or any drugs.
During Pregnancy:
If you are an expecting parent, you may be worried about how to make sure that you have a healthy and tension-free pregnancy. Developmental or movement conditions are one of the main concerns you may have regarding your baby.
There are a few strategies you can use to make sure that your baby stays healthy and happy. To ensure there are no complications during this phase, you need to visit your gynecologist as per routine without fail.
Apart from that, you need to avoid contracting any infections, get vaccinated properly, and get tested for Rh factor. Rh is a protein found in your blood that determines whether you are Rh-positive or negative. Though it is not directly related to CP, Rh incompatibility can cause severe birth injuries and that may lead to CP.
During pregnancy avoid alcohol, cigarettes, or any sort of drug abuse.
During Labor:
The doctors and medical team will ensure that you have a safe labor and delivery. But at the same time, try to learn about the process that your doctors will take while delivering the baby before childbirth.
The doctors will closely monitor the baby and any underlying issues that need to be addressed immediately. Monitoring the baby helps the doctors learn about fetal distress in time and save the baby from oxygen deprivation which is one of the major causes of CP.
It is all about making the right decision at the right time. Sometimes an emergency C-section can be the call of the hour. Delaying it may lead to health complications that may result in CP.
After Pregnancy:
Cerebral palsy can develop after the baby’s birth. Most of these cases happen due to head trauma. So, you need to safeguard your baby from falls and infections that can damage the brain.
Some things you can do to make sure that your child is safe from falls and infections are:
- Never leave the baby unattended.
- Use a good car seat for your baby.
- Get them vaccinated on time to avoid any diseases and illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What is the most likely cause of cerebral palsy?
A. A problem that affects the baby’s brain development while it’s growing in the womb is the most likely cause of cerebral palsy.
Q2. Which is a risk factor for cerebral palsy?
A. Premature birth and low birth weight are the major risk factors for cerebral palsy.
Q3. What is the unknown cause of cerebral palsy?
A. Cerebral Palsy can have environmental causes, such as infections, injuries, or a lack of oxygen before or during birth. Still, some genetic contributors can also cause cerebral palsy that goes unnoticed and largely remains unknown.
Next in Cerebral Palsy
Author Bio:
Dr. Khushbu Jain is a dedicated professional with a passion for advancing healthcare through cutting-edge treatments. She has a special interest in researching regenerative medicine and advanced treatment for diseases that are difficult to treat with conventional treatment options. Her deep understanding of these progressive treatments allows her to offer patients personalized and effective solutions for a variety of health concerns.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
