cebral palsy is it passed on by genes?

Answer 1

No.

However, please understand that CP is not a specific diagnosis per se. It is a description of some broad but well define neurological and physical symptoms.

There are several causes of CP making this a rather complicated question in re: to genetics. Reason being is because there are many hereditary and genetic syndromes that mimic CP.

Most CP causes are simply grouped; those prenatal (before pregnancy), perinatal (during the pregnancy...closer to birth) and postnatal which is after birth of child.

Very briefly I will share with you several of the presumed causes of CP in each of these above groups.

Prenatal: German measles (really rare), toxoplasmosis, cytomeglavirus (CMV) (this is a herpes type virus. Now, women by the time they're of childbearing age have an immunity to these and usually when they have their babies the babies have no problems.

Perinatal: I recall reading an aritcle about 2 or 3 years ago about something called inflammed cytokines that is the 'signal' between cells in a very elementary explanation. This can be taken care of by some IV immunoglubulin to limit the imflammation. Another is stroke. Yes, baby in uerto can have strokes and that can create the same neurological defects seen in adult into the child. A third one that comes to mind is drugs; and which drugs is unknown; but the general rule is those that effect the fetal brain development. That is for alcohol, cocaine, tobacco these indirectly play a part due to the low birth weight and increases chance of CP. Lastly there is the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby's neck creating asphyxia, or the placenta can 'burst' or even placenta previa. This is very rare in developed countries like US, Canada, England. You see this now in more third world countries; due to better access to medical care.

Postnatal: This affects about 15-20% of all CP kids. This is actually called aquired CP this is only for infection or trauma immediately after birth. The best known is the incompatibility between the Rh blood types of mother and child (mother Rh negative, baby Rh positive) can result in severe anemia in the baby (erythroblastosis fetalis). This may lead to other complications, including severe jaundice, which can cause CP. You very rarely see this here in US as well.

Serious infections that affect the brain directly, such as meningitis and encephalitis, may cause irreversible damage to the brain, leading to CP. A seizure disorder early in life may cause CP, or may be the product of a hidden problem that causes CP in addition to seizures. Unexplained seizures are hereditary in only a tiny amount of cases. Finally, physical trauma to an infant or child resulting in brain injury, such as from abuse, accidents, or near drowning/suffocation, might cause CP. Likewise, ingestion of a toxic substance such as lead, mercury, poisons, or certain chemicals could cause neurological damage. Accidental overdose of certain medications might also cause similar damage to the central nervous system.

I hope I helped. My brain can't come up with any more info for you, please consult your physician if you have any further questions. Blessings to you!

Answer 2

Cerebral palsy is NOT Hereditary, Contagious, Progressive, or a primary cause of death

CP may have LONG-TERM EFFECTS on the life of the person who is affected.

For example:
1. PRACTICAL PROBLEMS: May people with CP face difficulties like:

a. LEARNING, because of perceptual problems and mental retardation (although many people with CP have average or above-average intelligence.
b. MAKING A LIVING, because of physical limitations, society's misunderstandings, etc.

2. SOCIAL PROBLEMS:

Forming relationships with other people, making progress in school, at work, etc., may be difficult due to impaired speech, hearing, or other physical handicaps.

3. PERSONAL PROBLEMS:

Stress and psychological problems often result:

* Indirectly, from frustration due to physical limitations
* From over protectiveness, hostility etc., of others
* Directly, from brain damage

FAMILIES ARE AFFECTED TOO

* GUILT - ("We're to blame")
* ANXIETY - (need to plan for future)
* RESENTMENT - (great demands of time, money)
* UPSETS - (brothers and sisters, parents, spouse denied attention)

MANAGING CEREBRAL PALSY:
There's no "cure" for CP. But a lot can be done to help people with Cerebral Palsy become self-reliant and fulfilled.

Answer 3

Cerebral Palsy is the result of an injury to the brain, not always but usually at birth. It is not a disease and is not gene related.

Answer 4

There is no proof it is genetic and no pre-birth test.
We had a member of our family born with severe cebral palsy and thats what the doctors told us