What is the primary cause of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy primarily results from damage to the developing brain, which can occur before, during, or shortly after birth. This damage can affect motor control and coordination due to disrupted signals between the brain and muscles. The causes of this brain damage can vary but commonly include factors such as lack of oxygen during childbirth, traumatic injury, or abnormal brain development.

While genetic mutations and infections during pregnancy can contribute to some neurological disorders, they are not the main causes of cerebral palsy itself. Likewise, although environmental factors can play a role in overall health and development, they do not directly lead to the brain damage associated with cerebral palsy. Thus, the identification of damage to the developing brain as the primary cause aligns with the understanding of how cerebral palsy manifests in individuals.