Cerebral Palsy - A Comprehensive Analysis of the Causes

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose:    Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex motor and postural disorder resulting from damage to the  developing brain. The causes of CP are diverse and can occur at various stages of a child’s life— prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal. The aim of this paper is to review the scientific literature on the causes of CP, with a particular focus on the mechanisms of brain damage at each stage.  Material and methods:    A comprehensive literaturere view was conducted using the PubMed database, focusing on articles published until the end of 2024. The search included the keywords:"cerebral palsy","etiology","brain damage"and "prevention" in various combinations. Relevant studies were selected based on criteria such as etiology of cerebral palsy.  Results:    Analysis of available studies indicates that prenatal causes predominantly include genetic abnormalities, intrauterine infections, and exposure to toxins. Perinatal causes involve asphyxia, mechanical trauma, and prematurity. In the postnatal period, infections of the nervous system, traumatic brain injuries, and perinatal complications play a significant role. These causes are often interdependent, highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive approach to CP risk analysis.  Conclusion:   Understanding the multifactorial etiology of CP is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. Further research into the mechanisms of brain damage may contribute to reducing the incidence of new cases and improving the quality of life for children with CP.