The term <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href= >“Cerebral Palsy”</a> is used to describe a group of disorders that affect a child during the first few years of life.  Cerebral palsy can cause muscles to be weak and floppy or rigid and stiff.  This condition occurs in 8,000 children born each year. Cerebral palsy is usually caused by a brain injury early in the development of the child.  At the present time there is no cure.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy

·         Premature birth<br>

·         Low birth weight<br>

·         Breech birth<br>

·         Multiple babies<br>

·         Toxic substances<br>

·         Mothers health<br>

If the cause of Cerebral Palsy was not congenital there is a possibility that it could have been prevented.

Possible Causes of Cerebral Palsy

If during labor and delivery there were complications that required the use of forceps, vacuum  extraction or a cesarean section, it is possible the child was in the birth canal for an extended period of time resulting in lack of oxygen (hypoxia).  Hypoxia is thought to be a cause of Cerebral palsy.  After the birth, if the child required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), that is another indication there was an instance of lack of oxygen.  Seizures within the first few days of  life also indicate there was a neurological problem.

The entire family is challenged when being presented with the care and support of a child diagnosed with this disabling condition.  Since there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy the cost for care and treatment of a person with this disorder can easily top more than $1,000,000.00 a year.