Parents with an infant child are understandably hypersensitive to developmental difficulties or anything that might not follow a chart of established milestones. However, certain factors during pregnancy and childbirth can put infants at greater risk for cerebral palsy (CP). CP is recognized as the most common motor disability in childhood. According to CDC estimates, about 1 in 345 children have been identified with CP. But for many concerned families, the central question remains: what are the risk factors of cerebral palsy?
Pregnancy is a time of delicate balance when extra care and monitoring is crucial. Medical professionals are trusted to be alert to any warning signs and provide all of the information that parents need to ensure a healthy baby. Whether through literature or diagnostic tests, parents rely on detailed answers and an honest assessment of the potential problems they face.
Identifying Who is at Risk
When examining who is most likely to get cerebral palsy, data suggests that which children are most at risk of developing cerebral palsy? generally includes those born with extremely low birth weight or those who experience trauma during delivery. Furthermore, certain demographic and clinical patterns help doctors identify which is a risk factor for cerebral palsy? early in the prenatal stage.
The Most Common Cause of Cerebral Palsy
A frequent concern for parents is: what is the most common cause of cerebral palsy? While the condition can stem from various sources, the most common cause of cerebral palsy is abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that happens before or during birth (congenital CP). In many cases, this damage is linked to a disruption in the oxygen supply to the infant’s brain—a critical window where medical negligence can play a devastating role.
What are the Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy?
For a comprehensive understanding, what are the risk factors for cerebral palsy that must be thoroughly examined by healthcare providers? They typically include:
- Low Birth Weight and Premature Birth: Infants born before the 37th week are at significantly higher risk.
- Birth Complications: Disruption of blood and oxygen supply to the developing brain during labor.
- Infections During Pregnancy: Maternal infections (such as rubella or cytomegalovirus) can trigger inflammation that affects the fetal brain.
- Multiple Births: Twins, triplets, and other multiple births increase the likelihood of CP.
- Birth defects of the central nervous system: Congenital malformations of the heart, lungs, or central nervous system.
- Brain Injuries and Childhood Infections: Such as meningitis or severe jaundice (kernicterus) during infancy.
The Economic and Emotional Cost of Care
One study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlighted the staggering economic costs that parents will face in caring for a child with CP. Medical costs for children with CP were found to be 10 times higher than for children without the condition. Even more distressing, the costs associated with children suffering from both cerebral palsy and intellectual disability were 26 times higher.
Legal Advocacy for Birth Injuries
Being aware of the risk factors you face is only the first step. If you believe your child’s condition was caused by a failure to monitor these risks or a mistake during delivery, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. At Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore (KDLM), we specialize in representing families affected by birth injuries and negligence.
If your child has been diagnosed with CP and you suspect medical error, contact us at (212) 618-6800 or contact us online for a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.