Who Does Cerebral Palsy Affect?

It is estimated that two out of every 1,000 newborn children will develop cerebral palsy. And approximately
40% of those born with cerebral palsy will have a severe case. Right now, about 10,000 babies and infants
are diagnosed with the condition each year. In 2002, the number of cerebral palsy cases in 8-year-old
children was found to be one in 278. It is the most common motor disorder in children and is second only to
autism as the most common disability in children.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy does not have a single cause like chicken pox or measles. There are many reasons why
someone might have cerebral palsy. An unborn child might have suffered a brain injury, an infection, or
abnormal development of the brain tissue. These are called "prenatal"causes, meaning they happened
before birth. These causes are responsible for about 70% of the cases of cerebral palsy. Another 20% of
cerebral palsy cases are caused by a brain injury that takes place during the birthing process. In the United
States, about 10% of children who have cerebral palsy got it after they were born. This is called "acquired
cerebral palsy."(The figures are higher in underveloped countries.) Acquired cerebral palsy happens when
there is brain damage during the first few months or years of life. This damage can be caused by brain
infections, like bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis. It can also be caused by a head injury -- usually
from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse during the first few years of life when the brain
development is still taking place.