Causes of Cerebral Palsy
The exact causes of most cases of cerebral palsy are generally unknown. Common causes include:
During Pregnancy
- Premature Delivery
- Placental abruption or placental previa
- Maternal diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or high blood pressure
During Delivery
- Fetal distress, demonstrated by shallow or slow fetal heart rate
- Asphyxia, or oxygen deprivation, often the result of umbilical cord strangulation or malpositioning
- Complications during delivery, including malpositioning such as breech, face, or transverse lie
- Infections, such as Meningitis
Post-Delivery
- Premature birth
- Asphyxia
- Complications during delivery, including malpositioning such as breech, face, or transverse lie
- Infections, such as Meningitis
- Seizures
- Bleeding on the brain, including interventricular hemorrhage and periventricular encephalomalacia