Is Cerebral Palsy Genetic? How Genes Affect Chances of CP

woman with cerebral palsy wondering if it is genetic

Is cerebral palsy genetic? Parents with children who are born with cerebral palsy may wonder if their genes play a role in the onset of the condition. While many causes of cerebral palsy are identifiable, there are also many of unknown origin.

To help you understand what research suggests about genetics and their influence on cerebral palsy, this article will discuss:

Is Cerebral Palsy Genetic?

While there is no single gene that has been identified to cause cerebral palsy, it is suspected that a combination of multiple genes can increase one’s chances of having CP.

Additionally, mutations in genes that affect brain development may also increase one’s risk of developing cerebral palsy.

While genetic mutations were not considered a major contributor to cerebral palsy in the past, recent research suggests they may play a larger role. A study identified eight genetic mutations that are likely to contribute to the onset of cerebral palsy.

Researchers tested these mutations on the genes of fruit flies and found that they caused a variety of motor impairments characteristic of cerebral palsy. Although it warrants more comprehensive, larger-scale research, these findings provide evidence that genetic variants may be involved in more cases of cerebral palsy than historically believed.

Up next, we’ll discuss various other factors that can cause cerebral palsy.

Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy

mother holding child with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a motor disability caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. Therefore, any event that damages areas of the brain responsible for motor functions (including the motor cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum) could potentially cause cerebral palsy.

Some of the most common causes of cerebral palsy include:

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Brain infections
  • Multiple-birth pregnancies
  • Seizures
  • Lack of oxygen in the brain
  • Abnormal brain development
  • Head injury very early in life

It’s important to note that in many cases, the exact cause of cerebral palsy is unknown. This leaves room to suggest that genetic abnormalities may be responsible for a significant number of unaccounted for cerebral palsy cases.

The next section will explain why multiple-birth pregnancies are more likely to cause cerebral palsy.

Why Twins Are More Likely to Have Cerebral Palsy

increased likelihood of cerebral palsy among twins suggests genetic causes

While many individuals with cerebral palsy have typically developing siblings, research suggests that there is a greater risk of recurrent cerebral palsy among twins. In other words, it is more likely for an infant who is a twin to have cerebral palsy than a single-born infant. In fact, the risk of cerebral palsy is about 5 times higher in twins.

This is mostly because multiple-birth pregnancies tend to have a higher risk of complications in general. For example, premature births (one of the major causes of cerebral palsy) are more common in twins. It could also be due to the increased prevalence of low birth weights in multiple birth pregnancies.

Generally, as the number of babies in the womb increases, the risk of pregnancy complications increases as well. As a result, triplets and quadruplets have an even greater risk for cerebral palsy.

Additionally, the risk of cerebral palsy tends to increase if both twins are of the same gender. However, in about 90% of cases, only one twin will have cerebral palsy.

The following section will discuss the likelihood of cerebral palsy being passed down from parent to child.

Can Cerebral Palsy Be Passed Down?

Individuals with cerebral palsy may be wondering if their child will also have cerebral palsy. While genetic factors can make a child more likely to have cerebral palsy, most women with CP give birth to perfectly healthy children.

A study of 88 parents with cerebral palsy reported that out of 122 collective children, only 2 had cerebral palsy.

However, it’s important to note that complications of cerebral palsy such as spasticity and uncontrollable movements can make pregnancy and childbearing more challenging. This may increase the risk for complications before or during birth, which could potentially cause cerebral palsy. Additionally, the weight gain that comes along with pregnancy may increase strain on the joints, which can cause pain and further restrict mobility.

Expecting mothers with cerebral palsy should make sure to discuss with their obstetrician the best practices to maintain their safety and manage potential complications during pregnancy.

Cerebral Palsy and Genetics: Key Points

Recent research suggests that genetic factors may play a greater role in the onset of cerebral palsy than previously believed. However, this research must be more comprehensively studied to make any definitive conclusions.

We hope this article helped you understand the link between cerebral palsy and genetics.

Flint Rehab is leading the way in neuro-rehabilitation with products that are backed by research and clinically proven to help you recover more effectively from stroke, TBI, and SCI.

Trusted by over 300+ rehab facilities and 10,000+ home customers.

cerebral palsy management tips ebook from flint rehab

More Ways to Recover with Flint Rehab:

Free CP Tips Ebook

illustration of cerebral palsy tips ebook with example pages

Discover Award-Winning Neurorehab Tools

You're on a Roll: Read More Popular Articles About Cerebral Palsy

You’re Really on a Roll: Discover a Program for CP That’s Actually Fun to Do!

At Flint Rehab, we understand that doing physical therapy at home can become tedious and repetitive. But when repetition is critical to recovery, it’s important to stick with a repetitive regimen. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Flint Rehab is the leading manufacturer of motion-sensing, gamified rehabilitation devices. Our bestselling recovery tool, FitMi, transforms full-body rehab exercises into an interactive experience.

See what individuals with CP are saying about FitMi:

“The FitMi and MusicGlove have done wonders for my son with hemiparesis from cerebral palsy and stroke. It motivates him to do his exercises. It does not seem like therapy for him since it is fun. FitMi monitors his progress so it is a great reinforcement for him. Music is a motivator for him. He has been using it on his arm and we will try the leg exercises soon.”

-Manning

While FitMi is a recovery tool for the full-body, our other device, MusicGlove, helps target the hand to improve fine motor skills and dexterity.

See what others have said about MusicGlove:

“My granddaughter has right-side hemiplegia from Cerebral Palsy / stroke at birth. She states that this is a great product for anyone who has issues with the use of their hand(s), and that is has helped her tremendously. She also finds the music quite catchy (surprisingly!). Our occupational therapist has been impressed as well. I can say that it has arguably been the best tool of all our therapy resources.”

-Jenni

Together, FitMi and MusicGlove make a powerful home therapy regimen for individuals with cerebral palsy. Best of all, you can save money when you bundle them together.

To learn more, click the button below:

ebook cover with the title "Helpful tips for managing cerebral palsy"

Do you have these 19 pages of helpful tips for CP?

Get a free copy of our ebook Helpful Tips for Managing Cerebral Palsy. Click here to get instant access.