Delivery Issues that cause Cerebral Palsy

William Little a British doctor, first identified cerebral palsy in the 1860s. Little and generations of doctors after him believed that a difficult labor and delivery were responsible for most cases of cerebral palsy. It was thought that the lack of oxygen during a prolonged delivery caused the brain damage associated with CP. The celebrated Sigmund Freud the founder of psychoanalysis, was a notable opponent of this belief, Freud argued that many of the issues (mental retardation, seizure, vision problems) associated with CP were too profound to have been caused by a brief lack of oxygen at birth. Freud believed that these problems must have arisen from problems during development.
It turns out that Freud was right. In the 1980s, a study funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke found that less than 10 percent of all cases of congenital cerebral palsy were caused by a problem during delivery. The researchers found that while a lack of oxygen does play a significant role in many cases of cerebral palsy, the lack of oxygen which may occur during a difficult delivery is seldom enough to cause brain damage. Most brain damage from lack of oxygen occurs during the baby’s development.
Significant Delivery Issues
Although the cause of most cerebral palsy is present before birth, the period of labor and delivery is still risky. Over due pregnancies, overly large babies, prolonged labor and breech deliveries increase the risk of injury occurring during birth.
A pregnancy which runs beyond the normal gestational period of 40 weeks is a risk for a difficult delivery because the baby can be larger than normal. Women with pregestational diabetes are also more likely to have larger than normal babies. Larger than average babies have difficulty passing through the birth canal. Sometimes the baby’s head may present or partially present, but then the shoulder is caught under the mother’s pelvic bones (a problem called shoulder dystocia). Being in this position puts the baby at risk for possible prolonged oxygen deprivation, since it may take doctors a long time to extract the child and the umbilical cord may be kinked or squeezed during manipulations to free the shoulder.
Simple procedures like changing the mother’s position and changing the doctor’s grasp on the baby will be tried at first. Sometimes something as simple as pushing the woman’s legs up against her chest can provide extra room for the baby to descend; if this fails, those assisting the birth may help the woman roll over on her hands and knees so that gravity and the change of position will allow the baby to descend. Sometimes special episiotomy incisions are needed to make more room for the child.
The longer a situation like this continues, the greater the risk for both the woman and the child. The woman may bleed excessively or experience tissue damage which will be slow to heal. Nerves in the baby’s shoulder may be stretched or torn causing a condition known as Erb’s palsy.
In extreme situations, where no simpler, less invasive method has worked, the doctors may need to perform a caesarian section to remove a baby who has become stuck in this position; however, a caesarian section at this point is tricky and risky, since the baby may need to be pushed back up the birth canal and then quickly extracted through an incision in the mother’s lower abdomen. Doctors do not like to perform such risky procedures; all possible other procedures will be tried before attempting this form of emergency C-section. During such an emergency C-section, the woman is at greater risk for hemorrhaging and the baby is at risk for oxygen deprivation.
Medical Negligence
Even with ultrasound and other modern technology, an unborn baby’s weight is difficult to assess. Doctors may not anticipate delivering an overly large baby. Being unable to predict every possible complication is not medical negligence; however, being unprepared to deal with all possible emergencies may be negligence.
Delays in implementing appropriate emergency delivery techniques could lead to the baby being deprived of oxygen long enough to cause brain damage which will lead to cerebral palsy. The doctor should make sure that a special medical team, capable of handling emergency deliveries is available, even when trouble is not anticipated. The delivery room should be always be equipped for all possible emergencies. The doctor should be willing to admit when a delivery is becoming too complex for his or her skills and turn over the patient’s care to the emergency delivery team.
The physician should also explain in advance to the patient and her family, what will happen in the case of an emergency delivery, even in cases where such an emergency is not anticipated. In cases where an emergency is anticipated, the doctor should be even more thorough with the explanation.

In addition, a neonatal intensive care team should be on stand-by to care for the baby should an emergency occur. Proper treatment in the first few minutes after birth can sometimes prevent future problems. Naturally, proper treatment in the first few days after birth is also very important.

What are the Different Types of Cerebral Palsy Therapy?

There are no established, consistent cures for cerebral palsy, but people who live with the condition can learn how to enjoy active, fulfilling lifestyles despite their disabilities. Guided cerebral palsy therapy provided by licensed specialists can help children and adults keep their independence and succeed in work and school. There are many different types of valuable cerebral palsy therapy, from physical therapy to speech programs to special education. With the right tools, people can learn how to overcome obstacles and become productive members of society.
Physical therapy sessions are vital elements of most patients' cerebral palsy treatment. It is common for a patient to start attending physical therapy at a very young age to begin building enough strength and balance to stand upright and learn to control motor movements. Older children are taught how to establish good posture and how to move about with the aid of braces, crutches, or wheelchairs.

As an adult, a patient's physical therapy program is usually focused on maintaining the muscle strength and control necessary to get around independently. Patients might practice dressing and bathing themselves, holding utensils, and working with computers. Of course, the severity of disabilities varies from patient to patient, so particular elements of cerebral palsy therapy are more emphasized in some programs than in others.

What is Cerebral Palsy Law?

Cerebral palsy law is an umbrella term that covers a range of legal rights that apply to a person with cerebral palsy. A person with cerebral palsy has a right to go to school, for example, as well as the right to work. He also has the right to proper medical care and may be entitled to receive services for those with disabilities. If an individual faces discrimination because of his disability or is denied the support he needs, his parents may take legal steps to secure his rights. Sincecerebral palsy is usually diagnosed in infants or very young children, parents or legal guardians are usually responsible for taking legal action when necessary.

In many cases, a person with cerebral palsy may be entitled to financial assistance for paying for things such as wheelchairs, medications, and medical treatment. He may be entitled to financial payments that help with living expenses as well. The rights a patient has to these and other types of assistance also fall under the cerebral palsy law umbrella.
Another part of cerebral palsy law focuses on the claims that may be filed on behalf of a person who has cerebral palsy that was caused by medical malpractice. If a medical professional makes mistakes that cause cerebral palsy, he may face a medical malpractice lawsuit. Some examples of mistakes that may lead to the condition include the failure to perform a C-section when an unborn child is in distress and the failure to treat a pregnant woman for infections that may harm her unborn child. Likewise, medical malpractice claims may be filed because of injuries that happen during childbirth, such as when a doctor uses forceps or vacuum extraction improperly.
When a parent believes his child's cerebral palsy has resulted from a medical mistake ornegligence, he may hope to win a malpractice lawsuit and secure compensation. He may also hope to hold the medical professional who made the mistake responsible for his actions. In such a case, the parent has to prove that the doctor made a mistake, was negligent, or failed to provide a reasonable standard of care. If the child has cerebral palsy because of a birth defect or situation that was beyond the doctor's control, the parent is unlikely to win his case.

An individual who wants more information about cerebral palsy law may contact a lawyer for help. Likewise, organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities may provide information as well. There are even some advocacy groups that may help patients and their families to get the help they need.

Diet Help with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects a person's ability to move his body and control the use of his muscles. According to the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, people with cerebral palsy often have muscle tightness and difficulty with fine motor skills like using utensils to eat. It is important that people with cerebral palsy get adequate nutrition because malnourishment is common due to difficulty eating.

Avoid foods with complicated textures. Foods like peanut brittle, which is very chewy or peanut butter, which is thick and sticky in the mouth, may be too difficult for a person with cerebral palsy to chew and swallow. Choose soft foods as often as possible so that it will be easier for the patient to eat and get the nutrients he needs. If he has trouble using regular utensils, use utensils specially designed for people with cerebral palsy that may be available from your physical therapist or a local medical supply store.

Eat foods rich in fiber to prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal problems associated with cerebral palsy. The website CerebralPalsySource.com states that people with cerebral palsy frequently have stomach problems such as constipation. Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread, along with fruits and vegetables, can help prevent and decrease constipation.

Supplement with nutritional drinks if it is difficult to get enough calories in or if you are underweight. CerebralPalsySource.com explains that in addition to gastrointestinal problems, people with cerebral palsy sometimes vomit because it is too hard for them to get foods down their esophagus. If you vomit or aren't able to eat enough because coordinating the muscles around your mouth is difficult, drinking your nutrition may be necessary.


Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The organization 4 My Child, which focuses on improving the conditions of children with cerebral palsy, states that vitamins and nutrients that are found in fruits are essential for proper growth and health of the brain. They state that 35 percent of all children who have cerebral palsy are malnourished. The vitamins in fruits and vegetables can help you feel more energized so that you have the strength to continue eating and working your muscles.

What are the Causes of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect balance, body movement, and posture. Cerebralpalsy varies widely and can include mild to severe conditions. Specific causes of cerebral palsyvary widely, though the root cause is due to some type of neurological damage or abnormal braindevelopment.

Occurring in every two to three per 1,000 live births, cerebral palsy is considered congenital in many cases. It can be a birth defect present even before a baby is born; most cases are considered to exist before birth. This occurs when one or several parts of the infant's brain that command motor activity and muscle tone do not properly develop.

Causes of cerebral palsy present before birth are often due to activities that took place during pregnancy, such as maternal injury or alcohol or drug use. Other maternal risk factors can include high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, mental retardation, placenta previa, poor nutrition during pregnancy, seizures, and maternal diabetes. Genetic factors can also cause the disease. In up to half of diagnosed cases, causes are cited as unknown.

In addition to prematurity, other risk factors for cerebral palsy may be present during delivery. A breech, transverse, or face birth can increase cerebral palsy risk. Medical mistakes are often cited as causes of cerebral palsy. The delivery method itself can cause damage, especially if a medical instrument is required to help the baby exit the womb.

The causes of cerebral palsy during early childhood may not have taken place during fetal development, but rather in the early months or years of life. Such cases are known as acquiredcerebral palsy. Acquired cerebral palsy may develop from brain damage caused by a neonatal infection, such as viral encephalitis, jaundice, or bacterial meningitis.

Fetal distress symptoms, such as a severely reduced heart rate or a low oxygen intake, can be causes of cerebral palsy. Head injuries developed through child abuse, a motor vehicle accident, or a simple fall can cause the condition. These injuries, however, account for less than ten percent of diagnosed cases.

Though often apparent following birth, these effects may not be present until early childhood. The effects can be seen if a child experiences developmental delays. Some delays may include not being able to sit, crawl, or walk at an age-appropriate level. People with cerebral palsy may also have difficulty swallowing, speaking, and coordinating overall body movement.

To diagnose cerebral palsy, a physician takes many different factors into account. The medical history of both the child and his or her parents are both examined, as well as overall risk factors in their lives. The onset of the disorder is also key in making an accurate diagnosis. Learning disabilities, dental problems, mental retardation, poor bladder and bowel control, breathing issues, eating problems, seizures, and many other conditions may also be linked to cerebralpalsy.

How do I Make Living with Cerebral Palsy Easier?

Living with cerebral palsy presents a number of specific challenges that recur on a daily basis. Once you have decided to make living with cerebral palsy easier, the first step is to think about what your particular challenges are, as not all cerebral palsy symptoms are alike. You can start researching your type of cerebral palsy in order to see what others with cerebral palsy do. Sharing your situation with others who have cerebral palsy is an important way to feel less alone. It can help you meet acquaintances who can give you support and encouragement each day.
When you connect with others living with cerebral palsy, you can expect to hear about different treatments that help. Since there are different forms of cerebral palsy, some individuals may mention symptoms that you do not have. Pay the closest attention to the treatments mentioned by people who share your type of cerebral palsy, as they will be the most applicable to your situation. Since cerebral palsy is a motor condition and affects muscle movement, expect to hear physical and occupational therapy mentioned a lot, as well as speech therapy. Listen closely to people's experiences with their therapists so you can educate yourself before committing to your own course of treatment.
Living with cerebral palsy can also be made easier with various medications. When medications are mentioned, be sure to take note of the side effects people are experiencing. That way, you can discuss any concerns that arise with your health care provider.

The challenges presented by living with cerebral palsy are significant, but because it is non-progressive, your condition will not worsen in the way that other conditions, such as progressive multiple sclerosis, can. This is an advantage, because over your lifetime, you can focus your search on medications and therapies without having to contend with new complications year after year. The key is to pay attention to what works for people in situations that closely mirror your own, because that will enable you to take a logical, results-oriented approach, rather than conduct blind experimentation. Do be sure to create a dialogue with your health care provider about your condition, and do not be shy about sharing what you have learned from others withcerebral palsy.

What is Mild Cerebral Palsy?

Mild cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that is caused by minor damage to the brain. The damage usually is a result of an injury to the brain, illness or lack of oxygen at a very early age or even during fetal development. The term "cerebral palsy" means a disorder of movement related to the cerebrum, or brain. The mild form of the disorder is much less pronounced than other forms of cerebral palsy, and it results in clumsiness and poor motor skills. It is not a progressive disease, nor is it contagious.

The cause of mild cerebral palsy might be fetal infection or a trauma during delivery in which oxygen to the brain might have been interrupted briefly. Severe infection during the first year of life or severe jaundice also could be the cause in some cases. There are some cases, however, in which the cause cannot be determined.
The diagnosis of mild cerebral palsy usually is not made until the child with the disorder begins to walk and sometimes not for several years after that. A toddler or school-age child's excessive clumsiness, poor coordination and odd or unnatural movements usually are what first alerts parents that something is wrong. Mild cerebral palsy also can cause speech and cognitionimpairments.
A definitive diagnosis usually is made following a series of tests on the brain, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRIs) and ultrasounds. Lab tests usually will be conducted to make sure that some other condition isn't presenting as mildcerebral palsy. After the diagnosis is made, the doctor will work with the child's parents to develop a treatment plan.
One of the common symptoms of the disorder is "toe walking." The child frequently will tip-toe and need to be reminded to walk with his or her feet flat on the floor. Toe-walking can be prominent, so sufferers of the disorder often develop problems with their ankle joints. Some children will complain about pain in the legs after short periods of activity.
It also is common to see a person with mild cerebral palsy unknowingly clenching his or her fist. Holding the arms straight into the air or excessive bending of the arms also can occur. Physical and occupational therapy early on can help to reduce these symptoms.

Each person with mild cerebral palsy is different. Symptoms might be more or less severe — or practically unnoticeable. Mild cerebral palsy is not debilitating, but school-age children sometimes suffer from embarrassment or low-self esteem because they are less coordinated than their peers. Patience and a positive, loving environment will help the child and family cope with the disorder.
Relation Article

What is Mild Cerebral Palsy?
What is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?

What is Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy?