What Causes Cerebral Palsy
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/10/31 - Updated: 2024/02/16
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Cerebral Palsy (CP) - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition affecting the brains ability to direct motor functions in the body often leading to permanent physical disability. Cerebral Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors, but most often is the result of severe oxygen deprivation in the brain, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and infancy through age three.
Introduction
Cerebral Palsy is often mistakenly assumed to be related to intellectual and developmental disabilities, but the IQ of people with CP ranges from genius to mentally retarded, just like the non-CP population. People with Cerebral Palsy are more likely to experience learning disabilities, but this does not reflect actual intellectual capacity.
Main Content
The spastic muscle movements, posture and gait problems, language difficulty, and musculoskeletal problems associated with CP range from mild to severe, with some individuals experiencing very little interference with normal activity and others experiencing very difficult challenges in everyday life.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy can be caused by a variety of factors, but most often is the result of severe oxygen deprivation in the brain, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and infancy through age three. Prematurely born babies are much more likely to develop CP because their internal organs are not fully developed, leading to increased risk of oxygen deprivation.
In some cases, there is reason to believe that mistakes by medical professionals before, during, and after delivery have led to oxygen deprivation to the brain, causing the baby to later show signs of Cerebral Palsy.
Dealing with Cerebral Palsy
Living with CP, especially in severe cases, presents special challenges for the individual and his or her family. Each person with Cerebral Palsy has unique abilities and disabilities and must develop ways to cope with their own unique challenges. People with Cerebral Palsy are capable of leading normal, happy, fulfilling lives and should be encouraged to reach their full potential despite the difficulties they face.
However, because people with CP often have extra medical needs, a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy can have a large financial impact on a family. Individuals with Cerebral Palsy may need physical and speech therapy for long periods of time, and may also require expensive custom equipment to help them walk and perform other daily activities.
If you decide to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit to receive compensation for the medical expenses of a child with Cerebral Palsy, it is important to understand that doctors and nurses are human beings who sometimes make mistakes. There are serious risks to treating CP as something that someone has done to your child. Encouraging your child to see him or herself as a victim can be psychologically damaging and limit his or her ability to mentally and emotionally cope with the challenges he or she faces.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.