10 Unexpected Cerebral Palsy Case Tips

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that can last for all of life and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will collect the medical history, take thorough physical examinations and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

palmyra cerebral palsy lawyer palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions that regulate muscle movement. It usually develops prior to or vimeo during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child’s symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin may also be requested.

Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions that are not found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier a child’s condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in early childhood and result from damage to the brain part that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have difficulty holding their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least common type, which results in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic patients CP have low muscle tone and their legs and arms move easily and resemble those of a rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose CP within the beginning of the child’s life, except for mild. In that situation, they could diagnose the condition at four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also important that mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which could help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

phoenixville cerebral palsy lawsuit Palsy can result by anything that hinders brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently in babies born prior to 32 weeks or having an infant who is overweight at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can trigger inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and formulate an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

Medications to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve performance and ease discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists are able to assist children to develop communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child’s communication abilities. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The appropriate support can make a big difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can join groups of people who have the same experiences at local meetings or on the internet. Many groups also host fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class because of doctor’s visits or medication. They can also provide accommodations for students in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, such as housing, finding work and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine whether their medications are working, and if anything could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an equitable settlement with the medical professionals responsible for your child’s injuries. The legal process requires gathering additional evidence that shows that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child’s birth injury have committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the damages your family has endured and expected future costs. It’s also about making changes and implementing additional procedures to stop such injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.

Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice will make them look greedy, or as if they don’t accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the sooner you begin your case, the better. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your particular area and the steps you should do next.