What are the risk factors for cerebral palsy?

Multiple: The risk of CP is higher in several groups: premature (<32 wks);small for dates (<2kg); brain hemorrhage;multiple birth;low oxygen levels at birth;shaken baby syndrome; meningitis; intrauterine infection; near-drowning; carbon monoxide poisoning. All settings where the developing brain can be injured.

There are many.: Cerebral palsy is a description of a static condition of poor control of the muscles. There are many types, some affecting just the legs, some just one half the body, some associated with epilepsy and mental retardation. Causes (risks) may be brain damage in utero or at birth, brain malformation, genetic disorders, following damage from brain infection or later trauma, or of unknown cause.