What Risk Factors Are Associated With Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. While the exact cause of CP is not always known, there are several risk factors that have been associated with the condition.
Some of the most common risk factors for cerebral palsy include premature birth, low birth weight, multiple births (such as twins or triplets), birth complications (such as prolonged labor, breech presentation, and umbilical cord problems), and infections during pregnancy (such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis).
Other risk factors include head injuries, brain infections (such as meningitis or encephalitis), and genetic mutations or disorders. In some cases, cerebral palsy may also be caused by medical negligence or malpractice during labor and delivery.
It's important to note that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that a child will develop cerebral palsy. However, being aware of these risk factors can help doctors and parents take steps to minimize a child's risk and ensure that they receive the best possible care and treatment.