Risk Factors For Cerebral Palsey
Sometimes, the presence of certain elements can lead to a higher chance of occurence of cerebral palsey. These elements are also called the risk factors for cerebral palsey. This may be differentiated from the actual causes of cerebral palsey, which more directly result in the said condition. Below are some of the risk factors that are associated with cerebral palsey:
The Baby
Babies who are born premature and are underweight (approximately less than 2.5 kilograms), do not cry within 5 minutes after delivery, have to be sustained on a ventilator for more than 4 weeks or have brain hemorrhage are at risk of cerebral palsey.
Birth defects, for example, malformation of spinal bones, protuding tissue in the groin area (hernia), abnormally small jawbone, or where the circumference of the head is small than average for a person of a given age and height (microcephaly).
Newborn seizures
A baby who has a low Apgar score can also potentially develop cerebral palsey. Apgar score refers to a measure to quickly and summarily assess the health of a newborn child, including predicting if the child will develop cerebral palsey. The variables, comprising infant heart rate, breathing strength, muscle tone or activity, responsiveness to stimulation, and skin color are each scored as 0 (low), 1 (intermediate) or 2 (normal) after delivery. A total score of 7-10 at 5 minutes is considered normal, 4-6 intermediate and 0-3 low. Scores that remain low 10-20 minutes after delivery indicate increased risk for cerebral palsey.
The mother
Complications in the pregnant mother such as vaginal bleeding after the 6th month, having high concentration of protein in the urine (proteinuria), having an overactive thyroid gland which overproduces the thyroid hormone resulting in a overstimulated metabolism and affects the nervous system (hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure, Rh incompatibility, mental retardation and seizures are risk factors for cerebral palsey.
Having multiple births (e.g. having twins or triplets) poses a risk for cerebral palsey.
Giving birth to a baby whose weight is less than 10 percent of the predicted fetal weight for gestational age (intrauterine growth retardation), may also increased chances of cerebral palsey. This is most commonly caused by insufficient circulation between the mother and child during pregnancy, resulting in decreased fetal growth.
Manner of birth
A baby who is born going through the birth canal either buttocks-first or feet-first (breech birth) is one of the possible risk factors for cerebral palsey. Head-first delivery is the normal birth route.
Labor and delivery complication (vascular or respiratory problems, may indicate brain damage or abnormal brain development).
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