Statistics show that as much as 15 percent of cerebral palsy is caused by an identifiable injury to the brain. These injuries generally occur shortly after birth or during the first couple of years of a child’s life, and quite often cause bleeding in the brain or lack of oxygen to the brain, both of which can permanently damage developing brain cells. Causes of brain injury that can result in cerebral palsy include the following:

• Birth injury
• Infections and illnesses, such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Trauma to the head as a result of accidents or violence
• Asphyxia, from choking or near drowning
• Premature Birth
• Maternal Issues

Because the developing brains of children are incredibly resilient, doctors often hesitate to diagnose CP, even following a brain injury, before a child is two years old. That’s because some damaged brain tissue can regenerate, and cells surrounding the injured area can learn to compensate for the damaged cells. After the age of three, a child is not likely to make significant additional gains, and if he is still exhibiting the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy, a comprehensive testing process will begin. Depending upon the type, severity, and location of the brain injury, it will be described as mild, moderate, or severe. As a general rule of thumb, the more severe the brain injury the more severe the disabilities associated with cerebral palsy.