Cerebral Palsy (CP)Causes & Risk Factors

Change or damage to the cells of the brain (neurons) causes CP #

Neurons are cells with very long, leg-like extensions called axons; these axons transmit electrical signals to other neurons, some of which can be quite far away. As an extreme example, neurons in the spinal column have axons that extend the entire length of the spine. Whether in the brain, spine, or elsewhere in the body, axons are wrapped in a fatty substance called myelin that gives them a white appearance. Bundles of these white fiber-like axons in the brain are called “white matter.”

Damage to white matter in the brain is a key factor in up to half of cerebral palsy cases. The remaining cases are generally due to damage to the cell bodies of neurons (gray matter), maldevelopments of the brain’s structure, or various other brain injuries, although a small proportion of children with CP don’t show any visible brain damage at all.¹

There are several potential causes of neuronal damage in CP:² 

1. Perinatal brain injury, which occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. Factors like premature birth, birth asphyxia (the baby not getting enough oxygen), and infection can cause a perinatal brain injury;
2. Genetic mutations, which can lead to irregular brain formation;
3. Environmental factors like malnutrition and exposure to toxins can also contribute to the development of CP.

To better understand what causes cerebral palsy, researchers use imaging studies to investigate which locations in the brain are damaged. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been particularly useful as it can provide detailed images of the brain's structure.³ 

Studies have found that many children with CP have reduced white matter integrity in various regions of the brain, including the corticospinal tract, the corpus callosum, and the internal capsule, which are involved in motor functioning.⁴

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

A non-progressive neurological disorder #

The brain injury that causes cerebral palsy does not get worse over time, meaning it is considered non-progressive. CP cannot develop later in life. However, as a person living with CP ages, the condition can cause new challenges and different symptoms can arise. 

Though CP is non-progressive, a lifetime of managing physical symptoms can mean that people with this condition often start feeling the effects of age much earlier. As adults with CP age, they can experience chronic pain, functional loss, early muscle loss, and other premature aging symptoms. They face unique challenges and may experience limitations in mobility, communication, and self-care.² 

Is there a cure for cerebral palsy? #

There is no cure for cerebral palsy. Traditional therapies focus on managing symptoms and improving functional ability. Because children’s brains grow and change rapidly early on, starting these therapies as early as possible can help them gain as much function as possible.⁵

However, none of the currently available therapies address the underlying brain injury that is the root of CP symptoms. NeuroCytonix is attempting to fill this gap.