Causes of cerebral palsy

The name is really a general term for a number of neurological conditions that affect movement and co-ordination, rather than just one disorder.

No two people with cerebral palsy will be affected in the same way, according to disability charity Scope.

Problems in parts of the brain used to control muscles can lead to the condition.

This may be a result of the brain being permanently damaged before, during or shortly after birth or due to the brain later developing abnormally.

Studies show around one in 10 cases of cerebral palsy are caused by a severe lack of oxygen reaching the childs brain during labour.

In some cases clinical negligence is to blame, usually relating to a failure to deliver a baby quickly enough when there are signs of stress.

There is also some risk of medical errors after birth leading to cerebral palsy. These include failure to diagnose and treat jaundice, failure to diagnose and treat low blood sugar and delays in diagnosing and treating meningitis.

Health workers should know that the risk of cerebral palsy is higher in certain children, such as those born prematurely, babies of low birth weight and twins or multiple births.

Babies with such risk factors should receive check-ups at regular intervals after birth in case further examination and brain scans are required.

If your child has cerebral palsy and you believe medical negligence was to blame, mistreatment.com may be able to provide valuable legal advice.

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Causes of cerebral palsy