Neonatal brain damage often causes cerebral palsy, but it is not the only factor since genetics and other issues can also play a role. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a child’s movement, balance, and posture due to problems in the brain that control muscles.
The brain of a newborn is very sensitive. Damage to it around birth can lead to lasting changes that result in cerebral palsy. This damage happens when brain cells die or fail to develop properly, often in areas that handle movement and muscle control.[1][2][3]
One main way neonatal brain damage leads to cerebral palsy is through lack of oxygen. During birth, if the baby does not get enough oxygen to the brain, it can suffer from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE. This condition kills brain cells and is a common cause of cerebral palsy later in life.[3][7]
Infections are another big cause. Newborns can get serious infections like meningitis, encephalitis, or sepsis right after birth. These infections cause swelling, fever, and toxins that harm brain tissue. For example, group B strep or E. coli during delivery can spread to the baby’s brain and disrupt its growth.[1][2][3][5]
Jaundice is also a risk if not treated. High levels of bilirubin build up in the blood and can cross into the brain, causing kernicterus. This damages areas that control movement and leads to cerebral palsy.[1][2][5]
Bleeding in the brain, called intraventricular hemorrhage, often happens in premature babies. The fragile blood vessels in their brains break due to low oxygen or infection, spilling blood into key areas and causing developmental issues like cerebral palsy.[3][5]
These types of brain damage usually occur before, during, or shortly after birth. Premature babies face higher risks because their brains are still forming and their immune systems are weak.[1][4][6]
Not every baby with brain damage gets cerebral palsy. Some recover well, while others do not. Recent studies show genetics can make a child more or less likely to develop it after injury. For instance, certain gene variants increase damage from oxygen loss.[6][7]
Doctors use MRI scans to spot brain injuries early and link them to cerebral palsy. This helps with faster diagnosis and better care.[6][8]
Sources
https://www.orangehealthcare.in/uncategorized/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/cerebral-palsy/frequently-asked-questions/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/services/baby-and-family/fetal-conditions/cerebral-palsy
https://www.rwkgoodman.com/injury/birth-injury-claims/cerebral-palsy-claims/cerebral-palsy-guide-causes-symptoms-legal/
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731818/
https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/blog/new-swimming-cap-early-diagnosis-of-cerebral-palsy-in-infants/
https://www.bila.ca/birth-injuries/cerebral-palsy/types/
