We thank Dr Lim for his interest in our review of the causes, pathways, and, in particular, the role of genetic variants that may contribute to cerebral palsy. It was a big topic, and with limited space we focused on causation and the increasing evidence for genetic causation in many of the cerebral palsies. We are very aware and supportive of the admirable work in our department of Professor Caroline Crowther’s team and many others on the use of magnesium sulphate in very-preterm labor to help reduce slightly the risk of cerebral palsy in this subgroup. We applaud this clinical intervention. However, for major progress to be made in reducing all types of cerebral palsy, we need to conduct much more neurodevelopmental research extending back to conception.