What causes cerebral palsy?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

Cerebral palsy can occur for several reasons and a number of conditions have been associated with it. Although prematurity is often associated with cerebral palsy, most of the babies that suffer from it are born at term. Often times it is a lack of oxygen to the neonate, leading to asphyxia and brain damage, which may induce cerebral palsy. This ...

Is there any way to detect fetal brain sparing during my pregnancy?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

Brain sparing can be identified by Doppler assessment of various fetal vessels. The great value of this assessment lies within the premise that it can identify a fetus at risk for brain damage when the fetus is still healthy. No other test has ever been so reliable in our opinion. In contrast, fetal electronic monitoring (NST) has never been shown ...

What is cerebral palsy?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

Cerebral palsy, also known as spastic paralysis, is defined as a non-progressive motor deficit of early onset. This may occur in one or more limbs with paralysis, spasticity or problems of motor control representing some of the symptoms. Cerebral palsy is usually the result of brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen. Reasons for oxygen deficiency may vary but ...

What is brain sparing?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

Brain sparing is a physiological mechanism used by the fetus to increase delivery of oxygenated blood to the brain at the expense of other organs. Unlike fully formed adults, only three organs are of importance to the fetus: the brain, the heart, and the adrenals (glands which produce adrenaline and natural steroids). When a fetus senses that the amount of ...