Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or injury to the developing brain. This normally occurs before a kid is born, although it can also happen after birth or in early infancy. Often, the reason is unknown. Several things can influence brain growth. Some include:

• Gene alterations cause hereditary disorders or variances in brain development.
• Maternal infections that damage the unborn child.
• Stroke disrupts blood circulation to the growing brain.
• Bleeding into the brain in utero or as a baby.
• Infant infections resulting in swelling in or around the brain.
• Traumatic head damage in a newborn, such as from a car accident, a fall, or physical trauma.
• Lack of oxygen to the brain due to harsh labor or delivery, albeit this is less common than originally assumed.

A variety of factors are linked to an increased chance of acquiring cerebral palsy.

The health of the mother.

Certain illnesses or toxic exposure during pregnancy can dramatically raise a child's risk of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation induced by an infection or fever can harm the developing brain of an unborn baby. Cytomegalovirus, rubella, herpes, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, and Zik virus infections can all have an impact on fetal brain development.

Diseases of newborns

The following neonatal diseases can dramatically raise the risk of cerebral palsy:

• Bacterial meningitis.
• Viral encephalitis.
• severe or untreated jaundice.
• cerebral hemorrhage

Factors of pregnancy and childbirth

Although their potential influence is modest, the following pregnancy and birth factors can increase the chance of cerebral palsy:

• Low birth weight. Babies weighing less than 2.5 kilograms are more likely to develop cerebral palsy.
• Multiple births. The risk of cerebral palsy rises with the number of infants in the uterus. The risk may also be linked to the possibility of early birth and low birth weight. If one or more babies die, the survivors are more likely to develop cerebral palsy.
• Premature birth. Children born prematurely are more likely to develop cerebral palsy. The earlier a child is born, the higher his or her risk of developing cerebral palsy.
• Complications of birthing. Events during labor can raise the likelihood of cerebral palsy.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy might vary widely. In certain cases, cerebral palsy affects the entire body. Other people's symptoms may just affect one or two limbs or one side of their bodies. General symptoms include difficulties with mobility and coordination, speaking and eating, growth, and other concerns.

Movement and coordination
Movement and coordination symptoms may include:

• Spasticity is the combination of stiff muscles and heightened reflexes. This is the most frequent mobility problem associated with cerebral palsy.
• Variations in muscular tone, such as being overly stiff or floppy.
• Rigidity occurs when muscles are stiff and have regular responses.
• Ataxia is a condition marked by a lack of balance and muscular coordination.
• Tremors are jerky, uncontrollable movements.
• Slow writhing motions.
• Favoring one side of the body, such as reaching with one hand or dragging one leg when crawling.
• I am having difficulty walking. People with cerebral palsy may walk on their toes or stoop down when walking. They may also walk in a scissors-like pattern, with their knees crossing. They may also have a broad gait or an unsteady walk.
• Problems with fine motor abilities, such as buttoning garments and picking up utensils.

Speech and eating
These symptoms related to speech and eating may occur:

• Delays in speech development.
• Trouble speaking.
• Trouble with sucking, chewing or eating.
• Drooling or trouble with swallowing.

Development
Some children with cerebral palsy have these symptoms related to development:

• Delays in achieving motor skill milestones like sitting up or crawling.
• Learning difficulties.
• Intellectual impairments.
• Delayed growth leads to lesser size than predicted.

Other symptoms
Damage to the brain can contribute to other neurological symptoms, such as:

• Seizures, which are symptoms of epilepsy. Children with cerebral palsy may be diagnosed with epilepsy.
• Trouble hearing.
• Trouble with vision and changes in eye movements.
• Pain or trouble feeling sensations such as touch.
• Bladder and bowel issues, including constipation and urinary incontinence.
• Mental health conditions, such as emotional conditions and behavior issues.

If your kid exhibits symptoms of a movement disorder, contact a health care expert right once to acquire a proper diagnosis. Consult a health professional if your kid is experiencing developmental difficulties.

If you are concerned about your child's lack of consciousness or erratic physical movements or posture, consult with a health care expert. If your kid has difficulty eating, poor coordination, eye muscle imbalance, or other developmental difficulties, you should call his or her health care provider.

Children and adults with cerebral palsy may need continuing care from a medical team. Your child may be treated by a doctor, a physical therapist, and a rehabilitation specialist. The youngster may also see a pediatric neurologist, therapist, or mental health professional. These specialists focus on the needs and issues that commonly develop in children with cerebral palsy. They collaborate with the child's pediatrician.

Cerebral palsy is incurable. However, there are numerous therapeutic alternatives available to help enhance a child's daily functioning. The choice of treatment is determined by the child's symptoms and needs, which can change over time. Early action can boost results.

Medication, therapy, surgical procedures, and other therapies may be used as necessary.

Medications can be used to improve function, alleviate discomfort, and manage consequences associated with spasticity or other symptoms.

To cure a tight muscle, your doctor may recommend Botox injections or other medications. Injections are administered approximately every three months.

Physical treatment. Muscle training and exercises can help your child gain strength, flexibility, balance, motor development, and mobility. The physical therapist will also teach you how to provide safe care for your child at home. This could include bathing and feeding the child. The physical therapist can advise you on how to continue muscle training and exercise with your child at home in between sessions to the therapist.

Speech & Language Therapy. Speech and language therapists can help children improve their ability to talk correctly or communicate using sign language. If communication is problematic, they can also teach how to use communication technologies like computers and speech synthesizers. Speech therapists can also help with eating and swallowing problems.

Hardware treatment. One form of brain neuromodulation, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can considerably enhance a child's functioning with cerebral palsy.

Recreational treatment. Some youngsters benefit from regular or adaptive leisure or competitive activities, such as therapeutic horseback riding or skiing. This form of therapy can help children develop their motor abilities, speech, and mental well-being. Regular physical activity and exercise are beneficial to both adults and children's general health and fitness.

Surgery may be required to alleviate muscle stiffness or rectify bone abnormalities caused by spasticity.
Other medications may be prescribed to treat seizures, pain, osteoporosis, or mental issues. Treatment may also be required to improve sleep, dental health, food and nutrition, urine incontinence, eyesight, and hearing.