Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage and is characterized as an impairment of the body’s ability to control movement and posture. Children affected by cerebral palsy may have trouble with motor coordination and cognition, ranging from moderate to acute, depending on the severity of the brain injury. While circumstances leading to the condition vary, a brain injury sustained at birth due to medical malpractice is a common cause of cerebral palsy.

Risk factors for the condition, however, are not causes or symptoms of cerebral palsy. Risk factors increase the likelihood that a child may develop cerebral palsy.

What are Some Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy affects as many as 3 children per 1,000 in the U.S. and is one of the most common birth injuries. Medical conditions during pregnancy, for example, may increase the risk for cerebral palsy. Some common risk factors for cerebral palsy include:

• Infant brain injury during the labor or delivery process (which may be caused by a healthcare professional)
• Maternal infection or other medical conditions not monitored by the mother’s healthcare professional, such as high levels of protein in the urine (a sign of preeclampsia) or uterine rupture
• Neonatal seizures (which may be caused by a lack of blood or oxygen to the brain)
• Jaundice (a buildup of bilirubin in an infant’s body when, if left untreated, can lead to brain damage)
• Premature birth (an infant born at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy)
• Low birth weight (babies born at less than 5.5 pounds, and especially infants weighing less than 3.5 pounds)
• Multiples (delivering twins, triplets, or more)
• Exposure to toxic chemicals during pregnancy

What can I do to Prevent Cerebral Palsy in my Child?

There are some steps you can take during pregnancy to prevent your child’s risk of developing cerebral palsy. Early (and regular) prenatal care is essential to a healthy pregnancy, as is attending all doctor appointments and voicing any concerns you have.

Sometimes, however, cerebral palsy occurs as a result of malpractice. This could be due to a failure to communicate among doctors and nurses, misuse of vacuum or forceps, failure of the physician to appropriately diagnose the condition of the mother or the baby, excessive dosage of a uterine stimulant drug such a Oxytocin/Pitocin, or other negligent actions on part of the medical staff that delivered your baby.

How do I Know if My Child Has Cerebral Palsy?

Some common signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy include difficulty feeding, reduced muscle tone, delay in reaching certain milestones such as rolling over or crawling, and walking on tip-toes. Making an appointment with your pediatrician to diagnose your child may help you get some clarity.

What Should I do if I Suspect my Child has Cerebral Palsy?

If you have noticed these symptoms in your child and you suspect he or she may have cerebral palsy as a result of malpractice, call us at 877-262-9767 to discuss your situation.

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