Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that covers a number of neurological disorders that affect a portion of the brain that controls motor skills and movements, the cerebral cortex. Cerebral palsy appears in infancy or early childhood and does not advance. This means that the condition doesn’t worsen over time. There is a genetic component to cerebral palsy, but there are also other components.
Types
Most children who have cerebral palsy are born with the condition, and this is called congenital cerebral palsy. There are others who are not born with it and later develop the condition. This type is called acquired cerebral palsy. These are the two types of cerebral palsy, and this classification is simply a description of when the disorder developed.
Signs
Early signs of cerebral palsy include a child not developing motor skills at a typical age. Babies generally develop motor skills to roll over, crawl and walk at certain ages. Infants with cerebral palsy are slow to reach those milestones. Other signs include lack of muscle coordination, unusual gaits, shaking and involuntary movements, stiff muscles and difficulties with speaking.
Acquired Cerebral Palsy
Acquired cerebral palsy is not genetic and is preventable. The causes of acquired cerebral palsy include head injuries, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis and excessive jaundice after birth. Although many newborns have some degree of jaundice, excessive jaundice can lead to a condition called kernicterus, which kills brain cells and can lead to cerebral palsy.
Congenital Cerebral Palsy
Some cases of congenital cerebral palsy are caused by complications during birth, including asphyxia, although these cases account for only five to 10 percent of congenital cerebral palsy cases. The other cases develop before birth and can be caused by genetic conditions, maternal infections, exposure to toxic substances and fetal injury. When a pregnant woman develops an infection such as German measles, the fetus can develop cerebral palsy. Genetic abnormalities that prevent normal development of the brain also cause cerebral palsy.
Prevention
Although congenital cerebral palsy caused by genetic abnormalities cannot be prevented, other cases can be prevented. Steps to reduce risks that are associated with congenital cerebral palsy will reduce the chances of the child developing it. Women can get vaccinated against German measles before becoming pregnant. They can also avoid exposure to toxic substances such as mercury.
