Cerebral palsy is a disorder resulting from brain damage that affects a person’s ability to control their movements and sometimes their posture. Most people that suffer from this disorder are diagnosed by a doctor by the age of five.

The majority of cerebral palsy cases are caused by brain damage occurring during pregnancy or during the neonatal period. The neonatal period is the first four weeks of life. A small percentage of cerebral palsy cases are caused by events after the neonatal period. These events may include brain traumatic brain injuries or other brain damage and infections.

Oxygen deprivation can cause brain damage. One of the leading causes of cerebral palsy is oxygen deprivation during pregnancy. A baby may not get enough oxygen for a couple of reasons during child birth. These include the loss of blood or the obstruction of the umbilical cord.

Also, there are a number of circumstances that can increase the risk of cerebral palsy. The baby’s weight can play a major role. Larger babies as well as premature babies are more likely to be injured during birth resulting in brain damage, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. If a delivery takes an excessive amount of time, the baby is more likely to sustain an injury or have cerebral palsy. Also, if a baby is positioned awkwardly, he or she is more likely to have cerebral palsy.

Many other circumstances may raise the chances that a child will have cerebral palsy. If the mother drinks or smokes while she is pregnant it can increase the risk of cerebral palsy and other disorders. Drug abuse by the mother can also increase the risk as well as lead poisoning.

There are several symptoms of cerebral palsy. Lack of coordination and concentration is common. Many times a person with cerebral palsy will sit or stand in extremely awkward positions. Muscle spasms and seizures occur in those with cerebral palsy as well. The person’s hearing and vision may be affected.

Those that suffer from this disorder may receive medications and various forms of therapy. Muscle relaxants may be used. Speech therapist and physical therapist are of great assistance for those with cerebral palsy. Orthopedic devices including wheelchairs and walkers may be necessary for some individuals. It may be necessary for some individuals that suffer from this disorder to have surgery.

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