Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects movement and muscle coordination. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. This condition arises from disturbances in the developing brain, which impact a person’s ability to control their muscles and maintain balance. CP is a lifelong condition that does not worsen over time.
CP is a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture. The brain injury that causes CP occurs before or during birth, or sometimes shortly after. Common characteristics include difficulties with motor skills, muscle tone, and coordination. Individuals with CP may experience stiff muscles, exaggerated reflexes, or involuntary movements.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely among individuals, ranging from very mild to more serious. The physical manifestations may become more apparent as a child grows. Some people with CP may also experience other challenges, such as issues with vision, hearing, speech, or learning, though these are not present in all cases.
How Cerebral Palsy Develops
Cerebral palsy results from abnormal brain development or brain injury that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. This damage disrupts the brain’s ability to control movement and posture. In many instances, the precise cause of the brain disturbance remains unknown.
Prenatal factors, occurring during pregnancy, can contribute to the development of CP. Maternal infections, such as rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, herpes, and Zika virus, can increase the risk of brain damage in the developing fetus. Severe maternal health problems, including thyroid conditions or seizures, can also increase this risk. Genetic mutations, affecting how the brain develops its circuitry, are recognized as a cause, accounting for approximately 10-25% of cases.
Complications during birth, known as perinatal factors, can also lead to CP. A temporary lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) during a difficult delivery is a factor. Other birth-related issues include premature birth, especially before 32 weeks, and low birth weight. Severe and untreated jaundice in a newborn, caused by a buildup of bilirubin, can also result in brain damage that leads to CP.
Postnatal factors involve brain injury occurring within the first few years of life. Severe head injuries, such as those from accidents, can cause damage leading to CP. Brain infections, including bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, can cause inflammation and swelling around the brain and spinal cord, resulting in CP. Strokes in infants, where blood supply to the brain is interrupted, can also lead to the condition.