What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

 

In most cases, the cause of the damage to the brain is not known and can never be identified. It may be simply a chance error in the way the brain develops. Genetic (hereditary) factors may play a part in some cases. However, some factors are known to increase the risk of developing cerebral palsy:

  • Preterm birth (premature babies), in particular, babies born before 28 weeks development
  • Babies who are one of twins, triplets, or more
  • Infections of the pregnant mother such as rubella, chicken pox and toxoplasmosis may be a cause in some cases
  • Severe jaundice in a new-born baby can be a cause
  • There is an increased risk of having a child with cerebral palsy in mothers who smoke, drink a lot of alcohol, or take street drugs such as cocaine

In a small number of cases, however, the damage to the baby's brain is caused by medical malpractice on the part of the doctors, midwifes and/or nurses treating the mother and baby before, during or after the birth.

In these circumstances, the damage is usually caused by...

  • Lack of oxygen during the labour
  • Neo-natal infections
  • Severe jaundice after birth
  • Severe hyglycaemia after birth

For further information on how MyInjuryLawyer can help with a Cerebral Palsy claim, please call us free on 0800 043 4299.