The most common recognised
risk factors are:
- A damaged placenta which may interfere with foetal growth
- Infections including dental infections, seizure disorder or other
medical problems in the mother (ex. Maternal thyroid disorder)
- Virus (ex. Rubella (German measles))
- Poor nutrition
- Maternal diabetes, hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure
- Malformations of the developing brain
- Toxicity (drug or alcohol use during pregnancy)
- Premature delivery, multiple births
- Lack of oxygen (hypoxia)
- Infection such as meningitis, encephalitis, herpes simplex
- Head injury
- Bleeding in the brain
- Seizures
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Prevention
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Adequate prenatal care may reduce the risk of some
causes of cerebral palsy.
However, dramatic improvements over the last 15 years
in obstetrical care at delivery have not reduced the
incidence of cerebral palsy. In most cases the injury
causing the disorder may not be preventable. |
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