There has been an increase in cerebral palsy cases, especially in developing countries. The condition can be overwhelming to parents because the child is needier than other children. The parents have to dedicate much of their time to caring for the child to improve their health. The occurrence of the condition can be avoided to some extent, depending on its cause.
Congenital cerebral palsy
This type of cerebral palsy occurs due to brain damage before or during birth. It contributes to approximately 85% of the cerebral cases in the world. The main cause of brain damage is yet to be determined.
The risk factors are conditions that increase the chances of a child being born with a birth defect, such as Erb’s palsy. However, having these risk factors does not mean that a child will be born with cerebral palsy. Among the common factors are premature birth, low birth weight, and multiple births. Other health conditions affecting the mother, such as seizures and intellectual disability, increase the chances of a child born with a birth defect. Jaundice and other infections that affect pregnant women can contribute to the occurrence of the condition. Complications that disrupt the supply of oxygen during the child’s birth can result in cerebral palsy.
Acquired Cerebral Palsy
This is cerebral palsy that occurs more than 28 days after the child has been born. It contributes to a very small percentage of the total cerebral palsy cases. The main cause of this birth defect is brain infections such as meningitis, brain injuries, and health conditions that affect blood flow to the brain. Among the risk factors are conditions that limit blood flow to the brain, infections, and injuries. However, having these factors is not a guarantee that the child will develop cerebral palsy. Whenever a child exhibits these factors before 28 days, it is important to seek immediate medical help.
How to prevent CP
Most of the causes of cerebral palsy are unknown, which makes its prevention challenging. However, there are various practices that are implemented during and after birth to prevent the child’s chances of developing the condition. The main way to prevent the birth defect is by ensuring the mother has a healthy pregnancy and has been given the necessary vaccines. In the case where assistive reproduction technology has been used, it is important to reduce the chances of having multiple pregnancies. Once the child has been born, it is important to have them given the necessary vaccines and on time. You should also prevent them from getting brain damaged or conditions that might limit blood flow to the brain.
Therefore, it is important for people to know the various causes and risk factors to avoid situations that can enhance the chances of giving birth to a child with a birth defect. It is also important for parents to determine the type of cerebral palsy such as Erbs palsy that their child has. This will make it easier to offer the child all the necessary care needed to improve life.
