Birth trauma can lead to cerebral palsy in some cases, but it is not the only cause and does not always result in the condition. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone due to damage to the developing brain. This damage often happens before, during, or shortly after birth.
Birth trauma refers to injuries or stress during labor and delivery that harm the baby. One common issue is oxygen deprivation, known as hypoxia or asphyxia. When a baby’s brain does not get enough oxygen, it can suffer from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a type of brain injury. This injury may cause cerebral palsy by disrupting the brain’s ability to control muscles. For example, delays in performing a C-section or problems like placental abruption can cut off oxygen and nutrients to the baby, leading to brain damage.
Premature birth is another key risk factor linked to birth-related issues. Babies born too early, especially before 28 weeks, face higher chances of brain injuries that result in cerebral palsy. Studies show that over half of children with cerebral palsy were born prematurely, and those born between 24 and 27 weeks have up to a 15 percent risk. White matter injury in the brain, often seen on MRI scans in nearly half of cerebral palsy cases, is common in preterm infants and those with perinatal adversity.
Not every case of birth trauma causes cerebral palsy. Brain damage can also occur from infections during pregnancy, genetic factors, or issues unrelated to birth. MRI scans reveal abnormalities in about 86 percent of children with cerebral palsy, but some have normal scans yet still show symptoms. Diagnosis usually happens between 6 and 12 months old, when delays in milestones like walking become clear. Tests include neurological exams, MRIs, and EEGs to check brain activity.
Early detection and treatment matter a lot. New tools, like a swimming cap that combines light and ultrasound to monitor newborn brain function, aim to spot risks sooner. This could allow therapies to start early, using the brain’s plasticity to improve outcomes. Research also explores ways to harness brain recovery in infants with perinatal injuries.
While birth trauma raises the risk, many factors play a role, and prevention through good prenatal and delivery care is vital.
Sources
https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/pediatric-neuromodulation-laboratory-awarded-ictr-translational-basic-and-clinical-research-pilot-award/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12754938/
https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/blog/new-swimming-cap-early-diagnosis-of-cerebral-palsy-in-infants/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/cerebral-palsy
https://nybirthinjury.com/birth-trauma-impact-on-family/
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/
https://www.medicalnegligenceassist.co.uk/our-case-studies/birth-injuries/cerebral-palsy-lack-of-oxygen-at-birth
