Genetic Disorders & Cerebral Palsy - Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Causes of Cerebral Palsy: Origins, Etiology, Aetiology, Causal Pathways

“Maternal mental retardation, motor deficit in an older sibling, maternal seizures and more than two prior fetal deaths were all associated with cerebral palsy in the NCPP…Even when all later occurring important risk factors for cerebral palsy were included in the model, maternal mental retardation and motor deficit in a sibling remained important and significant predictors, although they did not account for many cases.”

-Stanley, Blair & Alberman

Genetic factors play a part in cerebral palsy both as part of a multi causal pathway and as a sole source of damage. In cultures where consanquinous marriage is common or in smaller isolated areas, genetic origins of cerebral palsy can surface.

“…the pathological effect of later factors can be dependent on the presence of earlier factors while not being a direct result of them. For example, Morton et al., (1991) reported a series of cases of cerebral palsy among the Amish of North America. These were neurologically damaged during an infection in infancy, but the pathological effect of the infection was dependent on their genetically inherited metabolic defect.” (Stanley et al., p 6-7)

Studies report that in families where cerebral palsy has occurred, the chances of it happening again are higher when compared with controls. When twins are involved, if one of the twins dies in utero or after birth, the chances that the second twin will contract CP increases whether they identical twins or not. Yet it has been estimated that if the twins are same sex, monochorionicity is a factor increasing the chance that both twins will suffer CP.

Additional resources from our website:

Treatment of Cerebral Palsy
Vocational Rehabilitation
Cerebral Palsy Studies
Cerebral Palsy and Adult Issues
Cerebral Palsy Fun

Stanley, Fiona, Blair, Eve, Alberman, Eva. (2000) Cerebral Palsies: Epidemiology & Causal Pathways. Mac Keith Press

Cerebral palsy in twins: a national study • Cerebral Palsy • Cerebral Palsy Directory • Cerebral Palsy info

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Jaundice & Rh Incompatibility • Low Birthweight & Preterm Birth • Malnutrition
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Causes of Cerebral Palsy: Origins, Etiology, Aetiology, Causal Pathways