Health is a unity and harmony within the mind, body and spirit which is unique to each person, and is as defined by that person. The level of wellness or health is, in part, determined by the ability to deal with and defend against stress. Health is determined by physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, spiritual, and developmental stage variables.
International recognition for cerebral palsy research
Cerebral Palsy :: International recognition for cerebral palsy research
South Australian research which found a link between cerebral palsy and exposure to herpes viruses has been recognised as among the most significant of the past year by an international panel of neuroscientists.The research, which was earlier published in the British Medical Journal, supports the theory that exposure to certain viral infections shortly before and after birth can trigger brain damage and the development of cerebral palsy.
The group, led by Professor Alastair MacLennan, the Head of the University's Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, has since found common genetic susceptibility factors in children with cerebral palsy that may increase their vulnerability to exposure to infection that can damage the developing brain before and after birth.
The research was the only work on cerebral palsy to be recognised in the prestigious Dana Alliance report. Research scientist Dr Catherine Gibson was awarded her PhD for her contribution to the project and subsequently was named South Australia's Young Investigator of the Year for 2006.
The study involved 443 children with cerebral palsy and 883 control babies born to Caucasian mothers between 1986 and 1999. Small dried blood samples taken within a few days of birth were used to test for the presence of neurotropic viruses, a group of viruses including the herpes virus, which can all cross the placenta and infect the fetus.
Exposure to viral infection was common in all newborn babies, especially in preterm babies, implying that infection before birth may also be linked to preterm delivery. Herpes group B viruses were found more often in babies who were later diagnosed with cerebral palsy than in control babies. In fact, the risk of cerebral palsy was nearly doubled with exposure to herpes group B viruses.
"This is the first study to positively link viral exposure during pregnancy with cerebral palsy," Dr Gibson said. "However, only a few of the fetuses that were exposed developed CP, and this suggests that some are more genetically susceptible. We are investigating this." Further studies also are investigating the possible causes of the link.
Cerebral palsy is a permanent and often serious brain disorder which causes abnormal control of body movement or posture. Its causes are largely unknown and currently it cannot be prevented.
The US-based Dana Alliance is a non-profit alliance of more than 260 leading neuroscientists committed to raising public awareness about the progress and promise of brain research.
(Cerebral Palsy :: International recognition for cerebral palsy research published at SpiritIndia on Saturday, May 26, 2007)
Cerebral Palsy
Search more information on Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy booksRecently posted related articles on Cerebral Palsy :
- Cerebral Palsy :: Repeat steroids to premature infants linked to cerebral palsy
- Cerebral Palsy :: Mild stress in the womb may worsen risk of cerebral palsy
- Cerebral Palsy :: International recognition for cerebral palsy research
- Cerebral Palsy :: Cerebral Palsy Risk Linked to Early Virus Exposure
- Cerebral palsy :: Botox helps children with drooling in cerebral palsy
Most related articles:
- Cerebral Palsy :: International recognition for cerebral palsy research- Cerebral Palsy :: Cerebral Palsy Risk Linked to Early Virus Exposure - 34
- Cerebral Palsy :: Mild stress in the womb may worsen risk of cerebral palsy - 22.1
- Cerebral palsy :: Botox helps children with drooling in cerebral palsy - 21.8
- Cerebral Palsy :: Repeat steroids to premature infants linked to cerebral palsy - 18.9
- Autism :: A pioneering system allows autistic children to communicate with their environment - 12.5
- Botox :: Newborn suffering from excessive drooling - 12.4
- Health :: Mobility-enhancing device developed at University of Alberta will receive prestigious da Vinci Award - 10
- Baby Care :: Exposure to chemicals linked to ADHD, autism - 9.8
- Botulism :: Molecular basis of botulism toxin's deadly activity - 9.1
»» Medical Negligence :: Woman died from septicaemia after haemorrhoids surgery in UK
«« Sleep :: For sleep-deprived memory loss, look to the visual system
The information provided on SpiritIndia.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician. Spirit India comply with the HONcode principles for trustworthy health information.
Health, Business, Science, Sports, Entertainment, Technology
©2002-2009 SpiritIndia.com
Health, Business, Science, Sports, Entertainment, Technology
©2002-2009 SpiritIndia.com