The causes of cerebral palsy (CP) are not fully understood however medical science does know that when damage is done to a developing fetus or newborns brain can result in CP. It is important to be aware of some risk factors regarding cerebral palsy such as:

Infections in the Mother

One cause of cerebral palsy is maternal infections. Some of these risks factors are:

*UTI – urinary tract infection

*Infections in the kidney or bladder

*Rubella

*Inflammation of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) due to a bacterial infection

*Toxoplasmosis: an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.

If these infections are not treated right away the results can be devastating for your child. Seek medical attention the minute you think you have an infection.

Prenatal/Neonatal Infections & Complications

Another risk you should be aware of is an infection during prenatal/neonatal care (before and after) the birth of a baby:

*Meningitis that is bacterial

*Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) due to virus

*Group B streptococcal infection

*Group B Herpes

*A whole-body inflammatory state due to infection

*Rh incompatibility

*Severe jaundice in the infant

Complications are hard to figure in out how it actually results in cerebral palsy. Medical staff do know that prenatal infections very well may lead to an early delivery. There is more evidence to show that infections can trigger brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy.

Low Birth Weight or Premature Birth

There are cases when a baby is born before 37 weeks and they are not fully developed, in these cases you are at a higher risk of your baby having cerebral palsy.

Babies that are born early or with a low birth weight do not have a strong enough defense system compared to a baby born at term. They experience more health complications and normally have to stay in the hospital during illnesses.

There are factors that contribute to a premature birth or a baby with a low birth weight such as smoking, drug or alcohol abuse or abnormal cervix. Stress can also be a cause, even having twins or triplets from another pregnancy can higher your risks.

Birth Injuries & Medical Malpractice

It is a fact that not every case of cerebral palsy is inherited. Many people do not realize that many cases of cerebral palsy could have been prevented. Incidences have proven that brain damage during labor and delivery because neglect of a medical staff resulted in cerebral palsy.

The doctors and medical staff must act in a timely manner when preparing for a birth of a baby. Acting immediately when there are signs of fetal distress, any maternal infections or jaundice in the baby are important. Making sure there is enough oxygen supply, instruments such as forceps are used correctly or C-sections performed promptly is also a part of the medical staffs responsibility.

These medical errors are usually unintentional but what families go through for the rest of their childs life is devastating. The costs of treatments are financially draining and families have the right to recover some of the losses. There are laws to protect families of a child with cerebral palsy. Contact a cerebral palsy attorney because they can advise you of your legal options and what is best for your child.

When to Talk to a Cerebral Palsy Attorney

If you think your child’s cerebral palsy due to neglect of a medical professional then contact a medical malpractice attorney. There is a statute of limitations on cases like these so it is important to go seek the advice of an attorney right away. Supporting a child with cerebral palsy can cost a family more than $500,000 over their lifespan. However families can talk to an attorney and they can help you recover losses such as lost wages, treatments, and even non-monetary losses such as mental anguish. Talk to an attorney and they will give your legal options to consider.

If you need more information on cerebral palsy causes discover the articles and news available on the Cerebral Palsy Law Blog.

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