Cerebral palsy can be caused by genetic abnormalities, an injury to the brain, abnormal development during the formation of the brain, and maternal or fetal infections, says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The vast majority of the children with cerebral palsy are born with this condition, but some acquire it soon after their birth. Patients with cerebral palsy typically suffer from body movement and muscle coordination difficulties, but the exact nature of their problems depends upon the area of the brain that is damaged.
The Cerebral Cortex
The top layer of the brain is called the cerebral cortex. This area is involved in controlling the movements of the muscles. Damage that has occurred in this area is the cause of the most common form of cerebral palsy. This condition is called spastic cerebral palsy, and frequently exhibits itself through characteristic muscle stiffness. It is also common for patients with this condition to have shortened muscles and bone deformities that contribute to their condition.
The Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia are two areas of the brain that are responsible for voluntary movement and helping a person establish proper posture. They also help a person to recall previously learned, often complicated movement patterns, such as those associated with typing, walking and dancing. An Injury to either or both of the basal ganglia can result in a condition called athetoid cerebral palsy, in which the patient experiences involuntary muscle movements. This damage may also cause dystonia, or fluctuations in muscle tone.
The Cerebellum
The cerebellum is an area of the brain involved in maintaining and monitoring coordination during movement. Damage to this area can cause ataxia. This is a form of cerebral palsy where those who suffer from it often have poor coordination, problems in balance, and difficulty maintaining and achieving proper posture. Walking among these patients often appears unsteady, or as if the patient was just about to fall and is fumbling to keep his balance.
The Motor Cortex
The motor cortex is a specific part of the cerebral cortex. It's directly involved in controlling muscle movement throughout the body. Specific parts of the motor cortex are responsible for movement in certain parts of the body. This makes the exact location of the injury crucial, because it is this area that determines what parts of the body are affected by the condition. For example, someone with the condition may experience problems in controlling the movement of only one arm or leg.
White Matter of the Brain
Inside the brain, masses known as white matter help in the transmission of signals between two or more different areas of the brain. According to NINDS, patients who suffer from cerebral palsy often have small holes or gaps in the areas where white matter should normally exist. These gaps interfere with normal signal transmission. This damage to white matter may be cause by maternal or fetal infection.
