Abstract
The article deals with the causal association between cerebral palsy (CP) and peri-/neonatal morbidity. CP is the most common and significant motor impairment in childhood.
Prevalence ranges from 1,7-2,1/1 000 live births, and increases with decreasing birth weight and gestational age. The etiology is multifactorial, including prenatal, peri- and neonatal factors.
Diagnosis is mainly clinical, special exams and tests are under consideration for the uncertain history and nonspecific clinical manifestations. Imaging methods will help establish a brain lesion and its topography.
CP often combines with other deficits (i. e. mental, epilepsy, sensory, speech etc.). Its classification is based both on the assessment of the tone with dominating physical abnormalities and functional disability.
Causal treatment is not possible, so preventive strategies focus mainly on reducing prematurity, fetal growth retardation, perinatal hypoxia and infections.