CAUSES OF CEREBRAL PALSY
Any damage to the developing brain, whether caused by genetic or developmental disorders, injury or disease, may cause cerebral palsy. During pregnancy, anything which tends to produce a low birth weight baby will increase the likelihood of cerebral palsy. Factors during pregnancy which may cause cerebral palsy include:
- multiple births (twins or triplets)
- a damaged placenta which may interfere with fetal growth
- infections
- poor nutrition
- exposure to toxic substance, including nicotine and alcohol
- maternal diabetes, hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure
- biochemical genetic disorders
- chance malformations of the developing brain
During labor:
- premature delivery
- abnormal positioning of the baby (such as breech or transverse lie) which makes delivery difficult
- rupture of the amniotic membranes leading to fetal infection
In early childhood, cerebral palsy can occur if a young child suffers brain damage due to:
infection such as meningitis
brain hemorrhages
head injury following falls, car accidents or abuse
a lack of oxygen (asphyxia) due to accidents such as drowning
seizures
Not many years ago, the causes of cerebral palsy were usually described as being caused by "a lack of oxygen at birth". Researchers have come to realize that the causes are far more complex. In many cases, a difficult labor may be a symptom rather than a cause of cerebral palsy.
A Cerebral Palsy Lawyer will provide a FREE consultation regarding suspected birth injury. A Cerebral Palsy Lawyer will investigate your case at no charge, and work on a contingency fee, which means that no money will be owed unless money is recovered for you by settlement or verdict.
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