According to 2010 information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 10,000 babies born each year in the United States will develop cerebral palsy. The disorder results from damage to the brain, which, MedlinePlus explains, can result from an abnormality or injury. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder, and can affect movement, cognitive functions and eating.
Types
MedlinePlus points out that five types of cerebral palsy exist, which vary in symptoms: Patients with spastic cerebral palsy have tight joints and muscles, paralysis and an abnormal walk. Ataxic cerebral palsy causes problems with muscle coordination, while dyskinetic cerebral palsy causes uncontrolled and slow movements. Hypotonic cerebral palsy patients have no control of their heads. Patients with mixed cerebral palsy have symptoms of two or more types.
Time Frame
Cerebral palsy can start after a part of the brain becomes affected. The damage to the brain can occur while the baby is still in her mother's womb. MedlinePlus notes that injuries to the brain during the first two years of life can lead to cerebral palsy.
Causes
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that five to 10 percent of cerebral palsy cases result from a birth complication such as a lack of oxygen during birth. Abnormal development of the brain can cause cerebral palsy. Bleeding in the brain, called an intracranial hemorrhage, can damage the surrounding brain tissue. Periventricular leukomalacia, which is damage to the brain's white matter that looks like little holes, is another cause. An infection during the pregnancy, such as syphilis, rubella, toxoplasmosis, chickenpox or cytomegalovirus can result in cerebral palsy. Viral encephalitis or meningitis in an infant can damage the brain. The MayoClinic.com adds that a blood clot in the placenta can cause a stroke in the unborn fetus, which can lead to cerebral palsy. Other causes of cerebral palsy include severe untreated jaundice and congenital abnormalities.
Risk Factors
Some children have a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy. Some of the risks start at the birth, such as a premature birth, breech presentation, low birth weight and a complicated labor and delivery. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that if the mother and baby have incompatible blood types, the risk of cerebral palsy is higher. An infant also has a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy if he has seizures.
Complications
Cerebral palsy may lead to complications in some patients. For example, the MayoClinic.com points out that contractures can develop, in which the limb curls in; this condition can result in joint dislocations or deformities. Eating problems can lead to malnutrition. Some children may have cognitive problems, which can lead to difficulty in school. Dental, hearing, vision and speech problems can occur. Other complications of cerebral palsy include abnormal sensations, urinary incontinence and seizures.
