Thousands of individuals have cerebral palsy, so it's understandable that we'd want to know exactly what causes the disorder. Cerebral palsy doesn't just occur in children, but adults can also have it. Patients with cerebral palsy can often lead normal lives. However, symptoms could become worse if appropriate treatment isn't administered. Let's talk about the causes of cerebral palsy.

Although there isn't an exact cause to this date that could explain cerebral palsy, there are several theories and risk factors associated with cerebral palsy. Basically, cerebral palsy is said to possibly come from genetic and non-genetic factors. It is also said that there are controllable variables and others that aren't, effects from culture and exchange between cultures, concealed and evident influences and a combination of all the factors just mentioned connected to the development of cerebral palsy. The major possible causes of cerebral palsy include genetic disorders, alcohol, jaundice, malnutrition, low birth weight and oxygen shortage.

There are some risk factors that could contribute to the development of cerebral palsy. Take note though that these are risk factors, and not a sign that one does have cerebral palsy. Mothers who are 40 years onwards, mothers who are 20 years onwards, fathers 20 years/under and individuals of African-American ethnicity have an increased chance of developing cerebral palsy. Children also have risk factors for developing cerebral palsy. The first child, a child born fifth or later in the family, children with low birth weight, premature babies and one of a pair of twins are more likely to have cerebral palsy.

There are even more risk factors associated with cerebral palsy. These include ABO blood type incompatibility between infant and mother, an attack against the central nervous system of a baby by microorganisms and German measles during early pregnancy. Having a risk factor does not mean that you have cerebral palsy. However, since you have a higher chance of having it, it is best to consult a health care professional for more information and a proper diagnosis.

There are some possible causes of cerebral palsy in children. Injury such as asphyxia can cause damage to the brain and may therefore cause cerebral palsy. A child can choke on an object, suffer from poisoning, drown, fall in a vehicle accident, become severely infected and suffer from physical abuse. All these can contribute to cerebral palsy and other problems such as hearing loss to retardation. The possible causes of cerebral palsy in adults are similar. Damage to the brain is considered a factor in the development of cerebral palsy in adults.

Although the exact cause of cerebral palsy is still unknown, there are several ways to treat symptoms. Cerebral palsy isn't a progressive disorder in which the brain damage worsens over time. However, the symptoms are the ones that might get worse due to wear and tear of the entire body. When it comes to treating cerebral palsy, a lot of support for the patient is needed. The possible causes of cerebral palsy will usually be discussed before a team of health care specialists is assigned to help the patient gain optimum results from treatment.