The Antenatal Causes of Cerebral Palsy – Genetic and Viral Associations

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is the most common neurological disorder in children. Epidemiological evidence suggests that antenatal origins are a major cause. Currently there is no antenatal test for cerebral palsy, no proven preventable measures in late pregnancy, and no known cure. Cerebral palsy affects not only the diagnosed child, but also their family and the community, requiring considerable social and financial resources to assist these children in their daily lives.

The causes and implications of obstetric malpractice

“…Neurological impairment and cerebral palsy are often associated with events before or during birth, particularly the occurrence of birth asphyxia or/and fetal distress. Other factors include "prematurity, intrauterine infection, fetal coagulation disorders, multiple pregnancy, antepartum haemorrhage, breech presentation and chromosomal or congenital abnormalities" [16]. Symptoms of cerebral palsy are different from an individual to another and might change as children and their nervous systems mature.…”

“…This is due to the nature of obstetric injuries, which tend to be serious and long-lasting, because they occur early in life and the victims have to live with their disabilities for many years to come. Children with obstetric injury will most of the times need "expensive, comprehensive medical care and often require lifelong care and assistance" [16], thus imposing a substantial financial and emotional burden on the family of the afflicted child, prompting them to initiate obstetric malpractice litigation, mostly to reduce the financial burden [16] and at the same time alleviate the emotional pain associated with the incident [2]. Obstetric injuries also deprive victims of good quality of life, as most obstetric injuries are permanent and without cure.…”