Cerebral palsy is a term used collectively for the group of disorders that affect the movement, posture and balance of the body parts. Due to some reasons a part of the brain is damaged which causes impairment in the child. It is usually discovered in the early years of a child’s life when he is unable to achieve the milestones as crawling, walking etc.
Even though medical science has advanced to a very high level, doctors have yet not fully understood the causes of early brain damage. However, some of the identified causes of cerebral palsy are listed below:
The maternal infections tend to increase the risks of cerebral palsy to a great extent and this may also include the urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney infections, and rubella, sepsis i.e. an infection of the blood stream, uterus infection and toxoplasmosis. It is believed that all maternal infections can be prevented and dealt with, so as to avoid the occurrence of cerebral palsy. Hence, all pregnant women are advised to seek medical treatment from their gynaecologist to avoid such risks.
Prenatal or neonatal infections too have the potential to augment the risk of cerebral palsy. These are inclusive of bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis, Group B streptococcal infection, Herpes Group B and sepsis. The direct affect of these infections have not been verified yet, but these prenatal infections may result in preterm birth which poses a risk of developing cerebral palsy. These infections may also result in brain damage; RH incompatibility and jaundice may also add to the causes of cerebral palsy.
During the first three years, signs of the disease can be seen. Signs such as late growth in swarming, on foot, unusual crawling, strange muscle manner, you can note it while sitting, trouble in feeding as well as sucking, stiff muscles, easily startled, hearing disability, eyesight trouble, seizures, swallowing, slow writing, and less movement.
Cerebral palsy may also occur due to the failure of the medical staff in preventing a birth injury. This includes the misdiagnosis and maltreatment of maternal infections; the failure of recognition of foetal distress; not being able to perform a C-section in an organized and timely manner; not treating jaundice and not ensuring sufficient oxygen supply. It also includes the failure of proper use of medical equipments like forceps.
Medical malpractice can be highly devastating as it might be a probable cause of cerebral palsy; therefore, it is advised to file a lawsuit, so as to be able to acquire compensation for the treatment costs and other losses as well.
A minute quantity of it occurs for the reason of harm subsequent to birth; it can prevail as a virus such as meningitis, drowning, head injury, or even poisoning. Such types of cause show their results quickly after delivery, and afterwards in life, brain becomes a lot of flexible and develops the ability of survival against harm. It is unfortunate that chief steps forward care cannot remove it fully; scientists go on exploring ways to stop, and improve it.
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