Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by brain damage that occurs prior to, during or shortly after the birth of a child. As the location and extent of the brain damage varies tremendously, so do the symptoms that result from it. In general, however, children with CP typically have problems with muscle tone, balance and motor skills.
Childbirth Complications
In the 1860s, when CP was first identified as a disorder, it was believed that all CP was caused by problems during childbirth. This can certainly be a cause. For instance, extended periods of asphyxia during the passage through the birth canal can cause CP. However, according to the Merck Medical Manual, it is now believed that birth trauma causes fewer than 20 percent of CP cases.
Maternal Infections During Prenatal Development
If an expectant mother develops German measles or chickenpox, the likelihood of a child born with CP is greatly increased. This is far from certain, however, as many mothers experience these illnesses and give birth to healthy babies. Similarly, there is an increased likelihood of CP if the mother contracts flu-like illnesses known as toxoplasmosis or cytomegalovirus. Maternal syphilis can also cause brain damage in a developing fetus.
Early Infant Illness
Meningitis is a bacteria that can cause inflammation and swelling of the brain and spinal cord. Viral encephalitis causes a similar set of problems. Either has the tendency to cause CP.
Genetic Abnormalities
In some cases, there is no apparent cause for a poorly formed brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, in some instances, genetic problems with the infant do not cause brain damage, but instead abnormalities in the original formation of the brain.
Prenatal or Neonatal Stroke
In rare instances, a blood clot may form that blocks the flow of blood to the developing brain of the baby. If the lack of oxygen-rich blood lasts long enough, significant segments brain tissue will die, potentially causing CP. A stroke can also be caused by a break in the blood vessels of the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, these usually result due to poorly formed blood vessels in the fetus.
Severe, Untreated Jaundice
Jaundice results from a buildup of a naturally occurring substance called bilirubin in the bloodstream. Normally, the liver eliminates bilirubin. If the liver does not function properly, however, as it often does not in newborns, the bilirubin levels can rise, resulting in a yellowish skin color. If left untreated, the bilirubin can lead to brain damage and, in some cases, CP.
Physical Trauma in Early Infancy
If an infant is shaken, the brain and spinal cord, or the blood vessels that supply them with blood, can be damaged. Adults should never shake a baby, for any reason. In some cases this damage will lead to the death of the infant. In rare cases, it will cause CP.
