How Developmental Defects In Nervous System Leads To Cerebral Palsy?

By Author: Robinson
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Cerebral palsy is one of the most common kinds of central nervous system birth defects. A developing fetus is very vulnerable to a lot of factors that may affect its successful development. During the first 12 weeks of the fetus' development, the cells are dividing rapidly in order to become the baby's organs, bones and muscles. Exposure to toxins and disease may end up disrupting the process of development and can lead to developmental problems or birth defects in the baby.

Because quick growth and organ formation take place during the first twelve weeks of development, this is the period where the fetus is most vulnerable to insult or injury. The neural tube, which later develops to become the brain and spinal cord, starts to develop about ten days after conception and goes on to develop all through the course of pregnancy. Since the mother and the growing fetus are both connected, a lot of things that the expectant mother is exposed to or consumes can be immediately passed on to the fetus.

The fetus may be affected when any of the following happens to the mother:
She takes ill and uses medication
...
... She is exposed to harmful toxins
She takes hard drugs like crack cocaine

The severity of developmental problems will actually depend on a lot of factors which includes the type of illness the mother has or the amount of toxins that she was exposed to.

It is very important that the developing fetus receive a lot of oxygen. "Hypoxia" is caused when low levels of oxygen reach the fetus. Since cells require oxygen in order to grow and survive, hypoxia can lead to developmental problems in the unborn baby's central nervous system, particularly in the early developmental stages. Anything that interrupts development at this tender age can lead to effects that last all through childhood all the way to adulthood. These kinds of central nervous system defects are sadly not correctible after birth.

When developing brain is exposed to very harmful toxin, it is quite hard to predict precisely which areas of the brain will become affected or how seriously the brain will become affected. Disorders of the central nervous system and intrauterine brain lead to birth defects or congenital disorders. It is vital to understand that the cause of a large number of birth defects of the central nervous system is not known or certain.

Kids with cerebral palsy exhibit various symptoms which include:
Ataxia: this is simply known as the lack of muscle coordination while performing voluntary movements
Spasticity: very tight or stiff muscles & exaggerated reflexes
Variations in muscle tone, either too floppy or too stiff
Walking with just one foot or dragging one leg
Drooling excessively or having difficulties speaking or swallowing
Random involuntary movements or shaking
Difficulties with precise motions like buttoning up a shirt or writing
Walking with a crouched gait, on the toes, or with a “scissored” steps

Author likes to read and submit articles about health, child health to be specific.You can visit About Cerebral Palsy to know more about how Lawyers who are also doctors can help you with the cerebral palsy case.