Cerebral palsy is the most common type of physical disability in childhood.  It affects just over 2 children in 1,000 live births.  While a number of factors may contribute to Cerebral palsy, difficulties during very late pregnancy, during birth, or shortly after birth are all known as “birth injury” and are major cause of the disorder.

Cerebral = brain, Palsy = lack of muscle control

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of a group of permanent movement disorders and are cause by the brain’s inability to control the muscles.  The symptoms appear at infancy or in early childhood and symptoms may vary in severity.

Infants with CP may not roll over, sit, crawl or walk as soon as other infants.  CP may also affect vision, hearing, and other symptoms and may make it difficult for a child to swallow and eat.  Other symptoms include stiff muscles, weak muscles, tremors, and may be as severe as to cause seizures.

Children may also have poor coordination, difficulty speaking and poor cognition (thinking and reasoning).  Though the symptoms may be apparent in early infancy, they may continue to become more obvious and pronounced as the child ages.

Birth injury is a major cause of Cerebral palsy

Confusion between birth defect and birth injury is common but they are two different problems.

Birth defect – occurs during pregnancy.  It is caused genetics due to faulty DNA or exposure to environmental toxins or drugs – including some prescription medications.  Birth defects will are not a result of lack of care during the birth process or poor health of the mother.  Birth defects can be considered inevitable, unavoidable events.

Birth injury – caused before, during or immediately after a child is born.  It is usually an avoidable injury and not something that is inevitable.  Many birth injuries are a result of a lack of or inappropriate medical intervention.