Cerebral palsy is caused by an abnormality or disruption in brain development. The problem most often occurs before a baby is born. In many cases, the exact cause is not known. Factors that can lead to problems with brain development include:
- Gene mutations that lead to abnormal development
- Maternal infections that affect the developing fetus
- Fetal stroke, a disruption of blood supply to the developing brain
- Bleeding into the brain in the womb or as a newborn
- Infant infections that cause inflammation in or around the brain
- A traumatic head injury to an infant from a motor vehicle accident or fall
- Lack of oxygen to the brain related to difficult labour or delivery