Cerebral Palsy Frequently Asked Questions  

What causes cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy has a wide variety of causes, from neonatal and maternal issues to birth and delivery injuries. In order for these issues to result in cerebral palsy, they must affect and damage one or more parts of the brain that control movement. Because the symptoms show up in the body many people mistakenly believe that the injury has occurred to the part of the body affected. In fact, cerebral palsy is a brain disorder. The area of the brain that is affected by the injury will determine the type of cerebral palsy.

Is cerebral palsy hereditary?

No, cerebral palsy is not hereditary. It can’t be passed down from parent to child. Cerebral palsy is the result of an event that causes damage to the brain during the neonatal period or shortly after birth.

Can cerebral palsy be cured?

Cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but it can be treated. There are a wide variety of therapies and treatments that can keep complications to a minimum, and can ensure that a child with CP lives as full and happy a life as possible.

How do I know if my child has cerebral palsy?

Most symptoms of cerebral palsy are detectable before the child is three years old. In most cases, the parent and/or the child’s doctor notice obvious signs that indicate the child is not developing at a normal rate. Please click here for a list of symptoms associated with cerebral palsy. If cerebral palsy is suspected, doctors will run a battery of medical tests in order to firmly diagnose CP.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent cerebral palsy?

Specialists still don’t fully understand what causes cerebral palsy during the neonatal stage, but it’s possible that good neonatal and maternal care may prevent some cases of cerebral palsy. Many cases of cerebral palsy that occur as a result of birth injury could have been prevented by better care by doctors and other professionals. If you think your child sustained cerebral palsy as the result of poor medical care or medical negligence, contact us to discuss your situation.