The most common reason for brain damage which ultimately leads to Cerebral Palsy (CP) is oxygen deprivation for the newborn or the fetus. This condition is also known as birth asphyxia. For certain children, difficult labor results in complications that could cause brain damage, and eventually CP.
Brain damage that leads to CP may take place before birth, during birth, within one month of giving birth or in the first few years of a child’s life while the brain undergoes development. It is important that the presence of such a disorder is detected early, in order to commence cp treatment in India.
Here is the list of risk factors that can increase the chances of congenital cerebral palsy:
1) Infections during the pregnancy period- Herpes, rubella (German measles), toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus can infect the placenta and womb, which may result in cerebral palsy.
2) Multiple gestations- Twins, triplets and more births together could lead to CP. The risk is also high for an infant whose twin or triplet dies shortly after birth.
3) Exposure to harmful chemicals- If a mother happens to be exposed to toxic substances such as high doses of methyl mercury during pregnancy, the risk of CP is high.
4) Low weight at birth or premature birth- Infants who were born before term (in less than 37 weeks of pregnancy) as well as those weighing less than 5.5 pounds at birth are at risk.
5) Medical conditions of the mother- Risk can be high if the mother is facing difficult health conditions such as :
a) Seizures
b) Abnormal thyroid activity
c) Excess protein in the urine
d) Developmental disabilities
Almost 3.8% of the population suffers from cerebral palsy India. 15-20% of physically disabled children are affected by this disease. The topographic classification of CP has monoplegia, diplegia, hemiplegia, and quadriplegia. Early diagnosis is very important for proper treatment, but then it cannot be detected in an infant less than 6 months old unless severity is very high. Repeated examinations and subsequent observation are necessary over time for mild cases before an exact diagnosis.
