Cerebral Palsy History Reflects Changes In Medical Knowledge

 

Cerebral palsy history includes Sigmund Freud who noted in 1897 that there were often other associated problems such as seizures.  He proposed that the causes were connected to development in the womb.  However, Little’s theory about cerebal palsy being caused by birth complications continued to be the general belief up until the 1980s when studies in the US showed that actually only around 10% of children with CP had experienced a difficult delivery.

 

The beliefs from cerebral palsy history then began to change as more research was carried out.  Other risk factors and causes were identified such as exposure to infections in the womb and disorders of coagulation.  Advances in understanding have led to better diagnosis and improved opportunities for treatment.  Today mild to severe cerebral palsy affects around 500,000 Americans.