What are the causes, incidence, and risk factors associated with cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is generally caused by damage to the cerebrum either when the baby is developing in the uterus or at birth. Past research highlighted strangulation during birth (birth asphyxia), as a major cause of cerebral palsy. However, more recent research has indicated that birth asphyxia is not directly related to cerebral palsy. Patients suffering from cerebral palsy receive lower levels of oxygen to some parts of the brain. This condition is termed hypoxia. Premature babies have a higher chance of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy may also occur during the early stages of infancy as a result of severe illnesses (such as encephalitis, meningitis, or herpes simplex infections), head injuries (which cause subdural hematomas), or blood vessel injuries. Cerebral palsy can be classified in the following ways: Spastic cerebral palsy – the most common type; comprising approximately 75 percent of all cases. It is further classified as: Spastic hemiplegia (one side is affected) Spastic diple
