Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Because cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by a brain injury or abnormality that occurs before, during or after birth, parents often wonder if genetics contributed to their child’s neurological disorder. Considering the different cerebral palsy subgroups and how symptoms vary among children, genetics appear to play a larger role in certain types of cerebral palsy... Read More

Neurodevelopmental disorders are primarily associated with the brain and neurological system’s functioning, resulting in disability. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy may have difficulties with motor skills, speech, language, memory, learning, behavior, and other neurological functions. Why Is Cerebral Palsy a Neurodevelopmental Disorder? Cerebral palsy (CP) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder because it... Read More

A significant majority of cerebral palsy cases will occur in the womb or during childbirth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts this number at about 90% of cases. The other 10% of cases will occur after birth, a condition known as acquired cerebral palsy. Acquired CP is most likely to occur as a... Read More

The normal progression of labor is marked by dilatation of the cervix, thinning out of the cervix, and descent of the baby down the birth canal. If any of these progression markers are delayed or stalled, the medical staff needs to evaluate whether there’s prolonged or arrested labor. Failure to properly manage labor can lead... Read More

When an infant sustains injury to the brain before or during birth, cerebral palsy may result. Learn about the relationship between a brain injury and cerebral palsy and how cerebral palsy from a brain injury could occur. Brain Injuries Caused by Lack of Oxygen Out of every 1,000 babies delivered full term, three of them... Read More

Cerebral palsy and epilepsy are more common than you might think. As of 2015, about 470,000 children had epilepsy in the United States. Meanwhile, cerebral palsy—the most common motor disability in childhood—affects an estimated 1 out of every 323 children. What’s more, many children with cerebral palsy also suffer from epileptic seizures. So, does that... Read More

As you approach your due date, you’re likely focused on preparing as much as possible to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead for the small chance that something goes wrong. One possible complication is hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a birth injury that occurs in 1.5 out of every 1,000... Read More

Anoxia occurs when the body or brain loses its oxygen supply. In the context of childbirth, when oxygen deprivation takes place, it can contribute to a form of brain damage caused by oxygen loss known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE can result in cognitive and motor deficiencies that may impair a child’s development and contribute... Read More

While strokes are typically associated with adults, they can also occur in children, including infants before and after birth. Pediatric stroke affects 25 in 100,000 newborns. Children who have experienced a perinatal stroke may be at risk of developing cerebral palsy. What Is a Perinatal Stroke? According to the American Heart Association, perinatal strokes include... Read More

An estimated one in three women gives birth via cesarean section in the United States alone. While this method of birth is certainly common, it doesn’t come without risks. Understanding these risks and the effect a C-section can have on both you and your child is an important part of preparing for your labor and... Read More