infant birth injury cause

Causes and Prevention of Cerebral Palsy in Oklahoma

By Ray Maples on January 19, 2011

Cerebral palsy is a medical condition that affects muscle control in children and babies. The development of the condition can take place before, during, and after birth. Genetic conditions and problems with getting enough blood supply to the child can take place within the first six months of pregnancy which may cause the brain to develop abnormally. Medical care in Oklahoma providers who fail to properly care for a mother before and during pregnancy and an infant’s birth can also contribute to the onset of cerebral palsy. Other causes occur after the brain has already developed and can be due to bacterial meningitis and other types of infections, severe jaundice, head injury, lack of oxygen, and bleeding in the brain. Additionally, children in Oklahoma who are born prematurely with a birth weight of less than 3 ½ pounds may be more susceptible to developing cerebral palsy.

Many birth injuries like cerebral palsy can be prevented; however, once developed, there is no cure. With the help of physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, surgeries, and braces, many people who have cerebral palsy can lead relatively normal lives, depending on which part of their brain is affected by the condition.

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