Question
What are the causes of neonatal cerebral palsy?
Answer
Neonatal cerebral palsy can be caused by various factors, with preterm birth being a significant one. With advancements in medical technology, many newborns with a gestational age of only 28 weeks and a weight below 1 kilogram can survive. However, due to their smaller gestational age, their brain development is not yet mature, making them prone to brain damage. If such damage leads to central motor disorders, it may result in cerebral palsy. Therefore, preventive health care for premature infants is particularly important. In addition, newborn asphyxia is another major cause of cerebral palsy. Severe asphyxia can lead to brain hypoxia, which in turn can cause brain damage. Other factors such as newborn jaundice and infections may also increase the risk of cerebral palsy. In summary, preventing neonatal cerebral palsy requires a multi-faceted approach, including enhancing prenatal health awareness, reducing the incidence of preterm birth, and timely management of newborn asphyxia.