These disorders are caused by injuries to the brain that occur during fetal development or near or at the time of birth. The incidence of cerebral palsy is approximately 2 to 4 individuals for every 1000 births. Cerebral palsy is sometimes related to birth asphyxia and trauma.
Premature infants have a slightly higher incidence of cerebral palsy.
The birth mother had an uneventful pregnancy, and was scheduled to deliver on July 30. On Aug. 8, she had a biophysical profile performed on her unborn child at 2 p.m., the profile showed no fetal motion, breathing, tone or amniotic fluid. Her physician instructed her to drive to the hospital. Testing revealed evidence of damage to the brain and the baby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic quadre paresis. The facts of this case are derived from information reported in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.