15 Shocking Facts About Cerebral Palsy Case That You Never Knew

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical care. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician in addition to a physical specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history and perform tests like MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact  cerebral palsy lawyer clarksville  to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscle movement, and it typically occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists, such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin may also be ordered.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a diagnosis is usually made at 2 years of age. The earlier a child's condition can be recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in early childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have trouble staying in balance.

The least common kind of CP is ataxic, which causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. People with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their legs and arms move effortlessly and look like those of an rug doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is mild or in which case they could diagnose at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all pregnant mothers to prevent complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at a higher likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.

Every patient's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve function and ease discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists can assist children develop their communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can find an entire group of people with similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. Many groups also have events that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan for students who cannot attend class due to medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom for things like providing extra time between classes or to take examinations.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist about the issues of independence, like housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan, and it allows users to search for their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires additional evidence that shows that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed malpractice, causing cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has endured and expected future expenses. It's also about bringing about changes and additional procedures to stop such injuries from occurring to other children in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or make it appear that they don't respect their child for what they are. But the reality is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can run into the millions.

It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer immediately. The sooner you file your claim, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws applicable to your particular area, and tell you what you need to do following.