What Is Cerebral Palsy and how to prevent Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic "palsies" -- disorders that impair control of movement due to damage to the developing brain. CP usually develops by age 2 or 3 and is a nonprogressive brain disorder, meaning the brain damage does not continue to worsen throughout life. However, the symptoms due to thebrain damage often change over time -- sometimes getting better and sometimes getting worse. CP is one of the most common causes of chronic childhood disability.
About 10,000 infants are diagnosed with CP and up to 1,500preschoolers in the U.S. are recognized as having it each year. The United Cerebral Palsy Association estimates that more than 764,000 Americans have CP.
Between 35% and 50% of all children with CP will have an accompanying seizure disorder and some level of mental retardation. They also may have learning disabilities and vision, speech, hearing, or language problems.

Much remains unknown about the disorder's causes, but evidence supports theories that infections, birth injuries, and poor oxygen supply to the brain before, during, and immediately after birth result are common factors. Premature infants are particularly vulnerable. Severe illness (such as meningitis) during the first years of life, physical trauma, and severe dehydration can cause brain injury and result in CP.

How to prevent Cerebral Palsy 

The cause of cerebral palsy (CP) sometimes isn't known. But links have been identified between CP and certain conditions during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. Some of these can be prevented. Some cannot.
Before and during pregnancy
Doing all you can before and during pregnancy can help lower the risk that a brain injury will occur in a developing baby. Here are some tips for healthy habits before and during pregnancy.
Eat nutritious foods.
Don't smoke.
Avoid exposure to harmful substances.
See your doctor regularly.
For babies and young children
Help prevent CP in your young child by minimizing your child's risk for getting a brain injury.
Take steps to prevent accidents.
Make sure you are familiar with the signs of jaundice in newborns.
Know how to prevent lead poisoning.
Keep your child away from people who have serious contagious illnesses, such as meningitis.
Make sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date. For more information, see the topic Immunizations.

If your child has not been diagnosed with CP, pay attention to whether your child is reaching early developmental milestones. Report anything you notice to your doctor at regularly scheduled well-child visits or anytime you have concerns.