March is known as Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness Month, and
recent research confirms CP may be genetic.
For many years, CP was thought to be a birth condition. These findings are documented in the Lancet Neurology
Journal.
“There is a widespread misconception that most cases of CP
are caused by difficult delivery leading to birth asphyxia,” said Andres Moreno
De Luca of the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania and the lead author of
the paper. “What we’re finding is a growing body of evidence that suggests
mutations in multiple genes are responsible for CP. In fact, we suspect these
genetic abnormalities may also be the cause of some difficult births to begin
with.”
People born with CP have remained at a solid ratio for 40+
years. DeLuca states researchers are
aware of six genes that contribute to having CP. He also states that other developmental brain
genes could be a factor in diagnosis of the condition.
The most common cause of CP still remains inadequate oxygen
supply to the brain. Modern technology
such as fetal monitoring is assisting in early detection of the condition. Researchers state that with these new
findings there might be more reports completed about the condition, additional
and thorough diagnosis made, and better therapies for people with CP.
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