The aetiology of cerebral palsy.

Abstract

I have attempted to give an overview of the latest thoughts on the aetiology of the cerebral palsies. These motor disabilities are of continuing interest and their prevalence is rising, particularly in low birth weight preterm singletons and multiple births. The likely multiplicity of causes demands intelligent investigation probably in collaborative population data bases. Ultrasound and other scans may provide better data on both site and timing of neonatal brain damage. However these are more likely to have been done on cerebral palsied children who were preterm than on those born at term. There are currently no clear preventive messages except those relating to postnatal cerebral palsy or..