 Cerebral palsy affects one in 400 babies |
Scientists in Aberdeen are to carry out a study into cerebral palsy which is being described as the first of its kind in the UK. Experts at the city's university will look into ways of diagnosing blood flow in the brains of newborn babies.
The aim of the two-year study, funded by Cerebra, is to find an effective, non-invasive method of assessing brain injury using scanning techniques.
Cerebral palsy affects about one in 400 children in the UK.
The term cerebral palsy covers a wide range of physical problems in which poor brain development or damage has affected the ability to control muscle and movement.
It is the most common cause of severe physical disability in children in developed countries.
Lack of oxygen
However, the cause of the condition is still poorly understood.
Cerebra is a foundation for brain-injured children and young people.
It hopes that the new study could help doctors limit the damage caused by lack of oxygen to the brain and tailor treatment in a much more effective way.
Cerebra said Aberdeen University was the acknowledged leader in this field and its research could potentially benefit large numbers of children.
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