Cerebral Palsy (CP) is caused by abnormal brain development or damage during pregnancy, birth, or early infancy. While not all causes are preventable, proper prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and early management of conditions like jaundice can reduce risk significantly.
Reassurance for parents: If your child has been diagnosed with CP, know that early therapy and intervention can dramatically improve outcomes. Focus on what you can do now, not what caused it.
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Cerebral Palsy is NOT a disease - it's a condition resulting from brain damage that affects movement and muscle control. The brain damage itself doesn't get worse, but physical complications can develop without proper management.
| Type | Percentage | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Spastic | 80% | Stiff, tight muscles |
| Dyskinetic | 10-15% | Uncontrolled movements |
| Ataxic | 5-10% | Balance problems |
| Mixed | Varies | Combination |
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| Risk Factor | How It Affects Brain |
|---|---|
| **Infections** (TORCH: Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, CMV, Herpes) | Direct damage to developing brain |
| **Fever during pregnancy** | Can affect fetal brain development |
| **Premature birth** (<37 weeks) | Brain not fully developed |
| **Low birth weight** (<2.5 kg) | Associated with prematurity |
| **Multiple pregnancy** (twins, triplets) | Higher risk of prematurity |
| **Rh incompatibility** | Can cause brain damage from jaundice |
| **Infections of placenta/uterus** | Inflammation affects fetus |
| **Thyroid problems** | Affects brain development |
| Risk Factor | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| **Birth asphyxia** | Lack of oxygen damages brain |
| **Difficult/prolonged labor** | Can cause oxygen deprivation |
| **Umbilical cord problems** | Interrupts oxygen supply |
| **Placental abruption** | Sudden oxygen loss |
| Risk Factor | Prevention |
|---|---|
| **Severe jaundice** (peela/piliya) | Early treatment with phototherapy |
| **Meningitis/encephalitis** | Vaccinations, early treatment |
| **Head injury** | Child safety measures |
| **High fever with seizures** | Manage fever promptly |
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Fever management is especially important in premature babies and those at risk for complications:
| Baby's Weight | Calpol Drops (100mg/ml) | Calpol Syrup (120mg/5ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 kg | 0.3-0.4 ml | - |
| 4-5 kg | 0.4-0.5 ml | - |
| 5-6 kg | 0.5-0.6 ml | 2.5 ml |
| 6-8 kg | 0.6-0.8 ml | 3-4 ml |
| 8-10 kg | 0.8-1 ml | 4-5 ml |
Give every 4-6 hours as needed. Max 4 doses in 24 hours.
Seek immediate care if:
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If your baby had risk factors, watch for these developmental warning signs:
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| Treatment | Purpose | When to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | Movement, strength, mobility | As soon as diagnosed |
| Occupational Therapy | Daily living skills | As soon as diagnosed |
| Speech Therapy | Communication, feeding | When needed |
| Medications | Muscle relaxation, seizure control | As prescribed |
| Botox injections | Reduce specific muscle stiffness | Usually 2+ years |
| Surgery | Correct deformities, reduce spasticity | When indicated |
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Expert Insight: Dr. Sumitra reminds parents: 'Fever itself is not dangerous - it's your child's body fighting infection.'
A: Having fever during pregnancy doesn't mean your baby will have CP. It's one of many risk factors. The risk increases with very high fever, certain infections (like chorioamnionitis), or fever at specific pregnancy stages. Most babies born to mothers who had fever are completely healthy.
A: Premature babies need extra care: proper NICU management, monitoring for jaundice, preventing infections, and developmental follow-up. Most premature babies do NOT develop CP, but close monitoring helps catch any issues early when intervention is most effective.
A: YES - untreated severe jaundice (very high bilirubin) can cause a type of brain damage called kernicterus, which can lead to CP. This is why jaundice monitoring and phototherapy treatment are so important. In India, ask your doctor to check bilirubin if your newborn looks yellow.
A: Dose by weight, not age. For premature babies, use actual weight. Example: A 4 kg premature baby gets Calpol Drops 0.4 ml. However, fever in premature babies under 3 months always needs doctor evaluation - don't just give Calpol and wait.
A: Not all CP is preventable, but risk can be reduced through: good prenatal care, avoiding infections during pregnancy, safe delivery practices, prompt treatment of newborn jaundice, and preventing head injuries. Some cases occur despite best care.
A: CP is often suspected between 6-18 months when motor delays become apparent, but formal diagnosis may take until 2 years. Earlier diagnosis (even 3-6 months) is now possible with advanced MRI and clinical assessment. Early diagnosis = earlier therapy = better outcomes.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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