Genes may cause cerebral palsy

South Australian researchers say they've made a major breakthrough on the causes of cerebral palsy.

A new link between cerebral palsy and genetic mutation could be the biggest breakthrough in 20 years, South Australian researchers say.

A trial by the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute has found that a large number of cerebral palsy cases are caused by a genetic mutation.

It challenges the long-held belief that the condition is caused by a lack of oxygen during pregnancy or at birth.

Now researchers have found at least 14 per cent of cerebral palsy cases are likely to have been caused by a genetic mutation.

Cerebral palsy, a major neurodevelopmental disorder which can affect body movement, muscle control and intellectual functioning, occurs in one in 400 children.

Professor Josef Gecz hopes the institute's breakthrough will lead to the condition being detected during or even before pregnancy, allowing for earlier treatment.

"Prevention is difficult," he told reporters on Thursday.

"Genes make mistakes. We know it from cancer research and we know it from other research in other disorders.

"But as far as we know the cause we can implement different strategies, which is preimplantation diagnosis or other genetic reproductive options we can use to help these families minimise the risk of having children with cerebral palsy."

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Genes may cause cerebral palsy