Cerebral palsy primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]

Overview

Effective measures for the primary prevention of cerebral palsy include avoiding preterm birth, avoiding complicated delivery and avoiding head trauma in the neonate.

Primary Prevention

During pregnancy

Avoiding preterm birth is the main preventive measure against cerebral palsy.^[1]
Vaccination against common infection that might lead to premature birth such as German measles.
Avoiding cigarette smoking, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy.
Magnesium sulfate is proven to decrease the risk of cerebral palsy in the women predisposed to preterm delivery.

During delivery

Proper monitoring of fetal and mother vitals during delivery.^[2]
Early detection of the factors that might contribute complicated delivery such as narrow pelvis.
Delayed separation of the umbilical cord especially after complicated deliveries.

After delivery

Ensuring proper ventilation and brain perfusion.
Treatment of the underlying cause if possible.
Avoiding head trauma.

References

↑ Bunchuk NV, Rytikova MI (1988). “[Horton’s disease]”. Revmatologiia (Mosk) (in Russian) (2): 56–63. PMID 3051278.
↑ O’Shea TM (2008). “Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cerebral palsy”. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 51 (4): 816–28. doi:10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181870ba7. PMC 3051278. PMID 18981805.

[pmid3051278-1] Bunchuk NV, Rytikova MI (1988). “[Horton’s disease]”. Revmatologiia (Mosk) (in Russian) (2): 56–63. PMID 3051278.

[pmid18981805-2] O’Shea TM (2008). “Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cerebral palsy”. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 51 (4): 816–28. doi:10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181870ba7. PMC 3051278. PMID 18981805.

[1]

[2]