Even with many years of research, the exact cerebral
palsy cause is still unclear. However, scientists and researchers have found
some contributing factors that may cause the development of cerebral palsy in
both children and adults. Research has come up with asphyxia, birth trauma,
infections and premature birth as some contributing factors. Aside from those
there are several other theories. Let's talk about some major contributing
factors of cerebral palsy.
The most common cerebral palsy cause is asphyxia. Studies show that the lack
of oxygen to the brain in an infant is a possible cause for cerebral palsy.
However, recent studies have shown that asphyxia isn't the most important factor
that could cause cerebral palsy.
Alcohol is one of the main culprits in the development of cerebral palsy. It
isn't conclusive, but the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol during
pregnancy is considered a risk factor. Pregnant women are often advised by
healthcare specialists to abstain from consuming alcohol altogether at least
until after the baby is born. This is mainly because there is a concern over the
unborn baby having to fight the negative effects of alcohol during the
developmental stages in the womb.
The consumption of alcohol and/or drugs is known to poison the unborn child.
The alcohol and/or drugs can have a serious effect on the baby's blood vessels,
internal organs and nervous system. Abnormalities that occur during this stage
can cause serious brain damage. Furthermore, it can result in low birth weight,
which is another factor considered as a cerebral palsy cause.
A child with low birth weight means he or she weighs 5.5 pounds or less.
Studies have shown that babies with low birth weight have more risks of
developing cerebral palsy then babies with higher birth weights. Low birth
weight in babies are highly associated with the consumption of alcohol and/or
drug use during pregnancy, and also especially during teen pregnancy.
The next major cause of cerebral palsy is jaundice. The red blood cells in
babies have a shorter lifespan compared to the red blood cells in adults. When
there is a breakdown of old blood cells in the body, bilirubin is naturally
released. If a baby does not have a fully developed liver, bilirubin cannot be
processed properly. This results in the accumulation of bilirubin, which in turn
produces a yellow color in infants. Very high levels of bilirubin can damage the
brain. This increases the risk of cerebral palsy in an infant.
Another major cerebral palsy cause is malnutrition. This applies to pregnant
women, nursing mothers and any individual who's had cerebral palsy since birth.
Malnutrition isn't to be looked upon lightly. Malnutrition can cause a myriad of
health conditions and even death, if not dealt with accordingly. Malnutrition
happens when the body doesn't get enough nutrients, vitamins and minerals for it
to function normally. Cerebral palsy can be associated with malnutrition during
prenatal or neonatal care.
Finally, infection during pregnancy is also known to be a major cerebral
palsy cause. Both viral and bacterial infection can cause brain injury in the
developing fetus. Studies have indicated that placental and maternal infection
may be linked to cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #1
Get Help – Taking care of someone with cerebral palsy is a lot of hard work. Occasionally you have to take a break and spend some time alone. Ask family and friends for help and teach them how to do what you do so you can get away for a while. |
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #2
Stay Positive - Cerebral palsy is not a disease and will not get progressively worse. Accepting the condition for what it is and keeping a positive outlook will make life easier for you and the person you are caring for. |
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