What Cerebral Palsy Case Experts Want You To Know How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that will last an entire life time and requires medical care. Children with CP usually visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral-palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us now to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a complication that affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's areas that control muscle movement. It usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.

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

Babies born with CP often have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a diagnosis is generally made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better 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 palsy are usually noticed in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage to the brain part that controls the body's posture and movements. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands, and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring or struggle to keep their balance and walk on tiptoe.

The least common type of CP is ataxic, which can cause disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In this scenario, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinated before pregnancy against illnesses that can cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by anything that affects brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weight are at a higher chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can affect the nervous system of the baby.

Each person's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and formulate an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve functionality and ease pain or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems like 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 skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a huge difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can join a community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending a local gathering or online groups. There are many groups that hold events that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss classes because of doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also arrange for accommodations for students in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults who suffer from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on independence, which includes the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if their medications are working or if something else could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to people in Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you get a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the damages your family has suffered as well as expected future costs. It's also about making changes and further guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to children of other children in the future.

cerebral palsy attorneys jackson are afraid that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could make them appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

It's important to consult an attorney for medical malpractice as soon as possible. Each state has its own statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case the better. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your particular area and the steps you need to do next.