Question
I’ve noticed that a little boy in the neighborhood, who is already over three years old, still walks unsteadily, cannot speak, and has a slow response. It’s said that he has pediatric cerebral palsy. How could cerebral palsy have been caused? Why does it happen like this?
Answer
Various abnormalities during pregnancy may be risk factors for cerebral palsy, such as fetal brain malformations and multiple pregnancies. The risk of cerebral palsy in twins is six times higher than in singletons. Neonatal asphyxia, birth injuries, and neonatal intracranial hemorrhage are also among the causes of cerebral palsy. In the neonatal period, preterm birth and low birth weight are important causes of cerebral palsy, with the risk increasing with lower birth weight. About half of modern cerebral palsy children are caused by preterm birth. Severe neonatal jaundice may lead to cerebral palsy. Other causes include neonatal infections and brain injuries. Currently, about one-fourth of children with cerebral palsy cannot find a cause.