How is cerebral palsy formed?

Jul 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Newborns infected with bacteria or viruses, such as purulent meningitis, viral encephalitis, may develop inflammation due to invasion of brain tissue, leading to cerebral palsy, often accompanied by symptoms including fever, vomiting, seizures, and a bulging anterior fontanelle. Treatment involves following medical advice to use medications such as sodium penicillin injection, ceftriaxone sodium injection, and acyclovir injection to control infection, along with long-term rehabilitation training to improve function.

Cerebral palsy may be caused by immature fetal brain development, genetic factors, preterm birth, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, central nervous system infections, and other factors. If any abnormalities are noticed, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Immature fetal brain development: The fetal brain inside the womb is not yet fully developed, making brain tissue susceptible to external factors that may lead to cerebral palsy. Regular prenatal checkups are recommended, along with avoiding harmful substances and ensuring adequate nutrition to support fetal brain development.

2. Genetic factors: Abnormal genetic genes related to cerebral palsy within a family may affect fetal brain development and increase the risk of cerebral palsy. Preconception examinations and genetic counseling are recommended, along with enhanced monitoring during pregnancy to reduce the likelihood of occurrence.

3. Preterm birth: The brains of preterm infants are not yet fully developed, and their cerebral blood vessels are fragile, making them prone to brain injury that can lead to cerebral palsy, often accompanied by symptoms such as delayed motor development, abnormal muscle tone, and feeding difficulties. Treatment primarily involves early rehabilitation therapy as directed by a physician, such as limb function training and speech therapy.

4. Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: Oxygen or blood deficiency during birth can cause brain tissue damage, leading to cerebral palsy, often accompanied by symptoms such as impaired consciousness, seizures, and changes in muscle tone. It is recommended to improve the condition with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and rehabilitation training.

5. Central nervous system infections: Infections in newborns caused by bacteria or viruses, such as purulent meningitis or viral encephalitis, can invade brain tissue, causing inflammation that leads to cerebral palsy, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, convulsions, and bulging fontanelle. Treatment should follow medical advice to control the infection using medications such as penicillin sodium for injection, ceftriaxone sodium for injection, and acyclovir injection, along with long-term rehabilitation training to improve function.

In daily life, prenatal care and neonatal nursing should be prioritized, with prompt management of any abnormalities. Children with cerebral palsy should begin rehabilitation training as early as possible to help improve motor function and self-care abilities, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

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What does it mean when a baby lies down and lifts their back?

In general, the main reasons why a baby may arch their back while lying down include developmental exploration, abdominal discomfort, vitamin D deficiency rickets, gastroesophageal reflux, and cerebral palsy. If symptoms occur frequently or are accompanied by abnormalities, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation at a正规 hospital. Parents should closely monitor the baby's condition, attend regular pediatric health check-ups, provide appropriate feeding, and ensure balanced nutrition.

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How to Rehabilitate Cerebral Palsy in Children

The causes of cerebral palsy in children mainly include physiological factors such as perinatal factors and genetic factors, as well as pathological factors such as infections, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, prematurity, and jaundice. Rehabilitation methods are primarily based on the individual child's specific condition, with individualized comprehensive rehabilitation treatment plans formulated. These may include physical therapy, medication, surgical treatment, as well as psychological and social support.

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How to rule out fetal cerebral palsy during pregnancy

Under normal circumstances, it is difficult to completely rule out fetal cerebral palsy during prenatal examinations. However, regularly scheduled prenatal checkups during pregnancy, monitoring fetal developmental indicators, screening for high-risk factors, tracking fetal movements, and performing imaging examinations can help reduce the risk to some extent. It is recommended to follow the physician's advice and undergo regular prenatal examinations, including tests such as complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, Down syndrome screening, and non-invasive DNA testing.