Cerebral palsy encompasses a variety of brain-related disorders. The instances usually result before, during or after the birth. While the origins are rarely disputed, the causes of cerebral palsy are not as clear. Viral infection during pregnancy can cause cerebral palsy. Hydrocephalus either before or after birth is an other causal factor, Other causes of cerebral palsy include asphyxia , bacterial meningitis, bleeding into the brain and a stroke in utero. Head trauma such as shaken baby syndrome and bleeding into the brain are 2 other possible causes of cerebral palsy. Experts also conclude lead poisoning during the first 2 years of a child's life may also be a factor in cerebral palsy. In the 19th century and into the 20th, one of the most common causes of cerebral palsy was believed to be birth trauma. Today, there are still instances of this. They are 1 reason why it is always good to consult an attorney if the birth has seemed irregular. Generally, however, the most common causes of cerebral palsy are idiopathic - unknown