Cerebral Palsy Causes
Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage or abnormal brain development that affects muscle control and movement. The injury usually happens before birth, during delivery, or in the first few years of a child's life. Learn more about the causes and what to do if you suspect your child has cerebral palsy.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain that affects movement and posture. These events can happen before birth, during labor and delivery, or in the first few years of a child's life while their brain is still maturing.
Depending on which area of the brain is affected, such as the motor cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, or white matter, different types of cerebral palsy and patterns of symptoms can appear. In many children, there is no single or clear moment that caused cerebral palsy.
Instead, a combination of factors (such as prematurity, infections, or complications with blood flow or oxygen) may disrupt brain development over time. In other children, a specific event like severe infection, lack of oxygen (such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy), or a stroke is identified as the likely cause.
What Is the Difference Between Congenital and Acquired Cerebral Palsy?
Most children have congenital cerebral palsy, which means the brain injury or disruption in brain development happened before or around the time of birth. Studies from the NIH show that about 85–90% of cerebral palsy cases are congenital.
A smaller number of children have acquired cerebral palsy, which develops after the newborn period. It is usually caused by a serious infection, head injury, stroke, or other problem affecting the brain during early childhood.
Even with modern testing and technology, doctors are not always able to identify an exact cause, which can be frustrating for families but does not change the fact that the condition is real and lifelong.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, certain conditions can disrupt normal brain development. Problems with blood flow, nutrient delivery, or infection in the mother can all affect the baby’s brain health.
Examples of pregnancy-related risks include:
-
Maternal infections such as cytomegalovirus, rubella, or toxoplasmosis
-
Placental or umbilical cord problems reducing oxygen supply
-
Genetic changes or developmental abnormalities
-
Exposure to harmful substances or toxins
These issues are especially harmful in the early stages of development when the brain is most fragile. Doctors will typically monitor these risks through prenatal care, but complications are not always preventable.
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
Many cases of cerebral palsy are linked to medical conditions or events that increase the risk of brain injury or abnormal brain development. A risk factor does not necessarily guarantee that a child will develop cerebral palsy, but makes it more likely compared to children who don’t have that factor.
These problems can occur before birth, during labor, or after delivery. The timing of the injury often influences how severe symptoms are and which areas of movement are affected.
Complications During Delivery
The process of labor and delivery can sometimes put a baby’s brain under stress. Long or difficult labors can also cause drops in oxygen levels, which can potentially lead to cerebral palsy.
Premature babies are especially at risk during this stage because their organs and blood vessels are not fully developed.
Some complications at birth include:
-
Serious oxygen deprivation (hypoxia or asphyxia) from cord, placenta, or uterine problems
-
Prolonged or obstructed labor
-
Placental abruption or uterine rupture
-
Premature birth complications
Health Risks After Birth
Even once a baby is born, the brain is still vulnerable in the first months and years of life. If certain health problems are left untreated, it can cause brain damage leading to cerebral palsy. Some of these conditions may involve infections, blood disorders, or physical injury.
Common postnatal causes include:
-
Severe or untreated jaundice
-
Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
-
Strokes or blood clotting disorders
-
Traumatic brain injuries from accidents or falls
-
Breathing problems or untreated seizures
Prematurity and Low Birth Weight
Babies born premature or weighing less than 5.5 pounds face a much higher risk of brain injury. Their underdeveloped brains and fragile blood vessels make them especially vulnerable. This is one of the strongest predictors of cerebral palsy.
Multiple Births
Twins, triplets, and other multiple births add strain on both the pregnancy and delivery. They often deliver early, face growth restrictions, or compete for oxygen and nutrients in the womb. These challenges significantly raise the risk of CP.
Maternal Health Conditions
Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, thyroid disease, or diabetes can all disrupt normal fetal development. When blood pressure, blood sugar, or hormone levels are not controlled, the baby’s oxygen supply can be reduced.
Head Trauma
Injuries to a baby’s head, whether from accidents, falls, or abuse, can damage the brain and lead to cerebral palsy. Even minor trauma can cause bleeding, swelling, or oxygen deprivation that affects developing brain tissue.
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Caused by Medical Malpractice?
Cerebral palsy can sometimes be traced to medical malpractice during pregnancy, delivery, or shortly after birth. When healthcare providers fail to follow proper standards of care, preventable brain injuries may occur. These errors can include ignoring warning signs such as fetal distress, delaying a C-section, or the misuse of delivery tools.
Below are the most common signs of cerebral palsy related medical negligence:
Negligence Before Birth (Prenatal)
Mistakes during pregnancy care can put the baby at serious risk of brain injury. Negligence in this stage often comes from failing to test, treat, or respond to complications that can directly harm the developing brain. Examples of prenatal malpractice include:
-
Failure to diagnose or treat maternal infections such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus.
-
Ignoring signs of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
-
Prescribing unsafe medications that harm fetal development.
-
Not detecting restricted blood flow or growth problems on ultrasounds.
-
Failing to act when there is evidence of placental abruption.
Negligence During Delivery (Perinatal)
The labor and delivery process carries some of the highest risks for cerebral palsy. Inadequate monitoring or delayed action can cause oxygen loss, trauma, or stroke. Common perinatal malpractice includes:
-
Failure to monitor and respond to fetal distress.
-
Delaying, neglecting, or performing an improper C-section.
-
Misuse of assisted delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors.
-
Allowing prolonged labor that deprives the baby of oxygen.
-
Failure to address umbilical cord problems.
Perinatal negligence is one of the most frequent malpractice claims connected to cerebral palsy.
Negligence After Birth (Postnatal)
Cerebral palsy may also result from failures in newborn care after delivery. Newborns can deteriorate quickly, and delays of even hours can cause irreversible damage. Postnatal negligence may include:
-
Failure to diagnose or treat severe jaundice (kernicterus).
-
Delayed responses to neonatal seizures or infection.
-
Allowing untreated respiratory distress or low oxygen.
-
Improper handling of head trauma after birth.
-
Failing to treat hypoglycemia or metabolic issues.
Is Cerebral Palsy Genetic?
Cerebral palsy is not considered a genetic disorder, but genetics may play a role in increasing a child’s risk in some cases. A 2023 study from JAMA Pediatrics suggests that up to one in four children with cerebral palsy may have an underlying genetic contribution.
What the Research Says
-
Studies have identified gene mutations linked to brain development, motor control, and muscle function that may contribute to cerebral palsy in certain cases.
-
Genetic factors are believed to account for only a small percentage of diagnoses compared to causes such as oxygen deprivation, infections, or complications during delivery.
-
Because symptoms of cerebral palsy overlap with other neurological conditions, doctors may recommend genetic testing to rule out other inherited disorders.
- New studies are showing links between birth defects and asphyxia, which are significant factors in cerebral palsy.
As of 2026, no single gene has been identified in the cause of cerebral palsy.
According to an NIH study, 24.5% of cerebral palsy cases have a genetic diagnostic rate. This highlights how diverse genetics are when it comes to causing cerebral palsy, even though a single predominant gene has yet to be clearly defined.
Can You Prevent Cerebral Palsy?
Not all cases of CP can be prevented, but certain steps can be taken to lower risks and protect brain health. Good prenatal care, infection screening, and management of maternal health conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes) help catch problems early during pregnancy.
During labor and delivery, close monitoring and responding quickly to complications can lower the chances of serious oxygen deprivation or other emergencies. After birth, treating jaundice, infections, seizures, or respiratory problems right away gives a newborn the best chance to avoid lasting damage.
Ways to lower risks of cerebral palsy include:
- Attend all recommended prenatal appointments so blood pressure, blood sugar, and fetal well-being can be monitored.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations (before and after birth) to help prevent infections like rubella, meningitis, and other illnesses that can cause brain damage to the baby.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs during pregnancy, and talk with your provider before starting or stopping any medications.
- Follow medical advice about managing conditions like preeclampsia, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
- Ask questions during labor and delivery if you have concerns about fetal distress, length of labor, or the need for a C-section.
- After birth, make sure to seek urgent care for signs of severe jaundice, known as kernicterus (yellowing skin or eyes, extreme sleepiness), fever, seizures, difficulty breathing, or poor feeding.
- Protect your baby from preventable head injuries by using car seats correctly, supervising them around heights, and practicing safe sleep.
Note: It's important to remember that some brain injuries or developmental problems can still occur even if parents and doctors do everything "right." Even when cerebral palsy cannot be prevented, getting an early diagnosis and starting treatment can improve a child's long-term abilities and quality of life.
Cerebral Palsy Causes FAQs
Written and Medically Reviewed by:
Cerebral Palsy Hub Team
Cerebral Palsy Hub was founded to help support children and their families with cerebral palsy and to create a safe space for those affected. We strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information, and tools to help give your child the life they deserve.
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
