Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination. The cause is abnormality in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Genetic contributors to cerebral palsy are rare, but when present they may be linked to either dominant or recessive genes. Spastic cerebral palsy is the form most frequently associated with genetic contributors.

Genetic Susceptibility

There is no known gene for cerebral palsy, but there may be genetic defects that make children more susceptible to developing the brain disorder if brain trauma occurs. Genetic defects may cause the malformations or abnormalities of the brain that contribute to cerebral palsy.

Rarity of Genetic Influence

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_palsy/cerebral_palsy.htm, has found that genetically influenced forms of cerebral palsy occur in only 1 to 2 percent of cases.

Prevalence in Isolated Populations

The American Journal of Human Genetics, vol.64(2) pp. 526 - 532, reports that populations with higher incidence of breeding within a limited group may show more occurrence of genetically determined cerebral palsy.

Most Common Causes

The March of Dimes organization, marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_1208.asp#, says that most forms of cerebral palsy are caused by brain injury during early childhood. Viral or bacterial brain infections such as encephalitis or meningitis can also cause cerebral palsy.

Danger Stages of Development

The difficulties that lead to most cerebral palsy, whether injury or infection, can occur before, during or after birth, in the earliest stages of child development.

Source:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

The March of Dimes

American Journal of Human Genetics