Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture. It is caused by damage or abnormal development in the parts of the brain that control movement, which can happen before, during, or shortly after birth or in the first few years of life when the brain is still developing. In many cases, the exact cause of cerebral palsy is not known. However, several factors can lead to problems with brain development, including:

• Gene mutations that result in genetic disorders or differences in brain development
• Maternal infections that affect the developing fetus
• Fetal stroke, a disruption of blood supply to the developing brain
• Lack of oxygen in the brain

Some of the risk factors for congenital cerebral palsy are:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Infections during pregnancy
• Jaundice that is not treated

Acquired cerebral palsy, which means the disorder begins more than 28 days after birth, is caused by brain damage in the first few months or years of life, infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, or problems with blood flow to the brain due to stroke, blood clotting problems, abnormal blood pressure, or head injury.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that a child will have cerebral palsy. Additionally, the cause of cerebral palsy and its effect on function vary greatly. Some people with cerebral palsy can walk; others need assistance. Some people have intellectual disabilities, but others do not. Epilepsy, blindness, or deafness might also be present. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder, and there is no cure, but treatments can help improve function.