The brain injury results in posture and movement disorders. Although not always, there is usually some level of associated mental retardation. These injuries are lifelong and not reversible. Cerebral Palsy is the most common handicapping disorder in the United States. Any number of things can occur during birth or before, as well as up to 5 years of age, that result in brain injury and damage.
Fetal distress is the common denominator that results in the brain injury.
The mother could have a difficult labor. There could also be a traumatic delivery. One example here would be where the obstetrician uses forceps to go after the baby when its head is in the birth canal. The trauma of the forceps around the baby's head could result in internal bleeding in the head. Early separation of the placenta or damage to the umbilical cord can also result in brain injury.