A checklist to identify the origin of cerebral palsy.

The need to identify whether the cause of a particular case of cerebral palsy originated in the intrapartum period or not has two different purposes: medical-legal and epidemiological ones. The medical-legal purpose is to overcome the misconception that the majority of cases with neurological damage can be attributed to events surrounding the birth process and consequently to define real possible medical responsibilities or evidence of defense. The epidemiological evaluation is important to develop new clinical and behavioral protocols in order to prevent brain damage.A methodology to assess the cause of cerebral palsy needs the application of a scientific protocol to search for temporal indicators as early as possible in the investigation.