Five Cerebral Palsy Case Lessons From The Pros

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical care. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us today for a time to set up a a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral paralysis based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical examination milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP often have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the beginning of childhood. They result from damage to the part of brain that controls the body's posture and movements. The 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 difficulties reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They may snore, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic. It causes poor coordination and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors typically diagnose children with CP during the first 2 years of life, Cerebral palsy Lawsuit unless it is mild and in that case, they may make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also crucial for mothers to have regular prenatal care during the pregnancy to aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result by any cause that affects brain development, including pregnant infections, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weights are at greater chance of developing cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

The treatment plan for each individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist will oversee the medical care and formulate the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve functionality and reduce pain or other symptoms. In extreme cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists can assist children develop their communication skills and help parents improve their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The right support can make a significant difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can join a group of people who have similar experiences at a local gathering or on the internet. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for when students are unable to attend classes because of medical appointments or to take medication. They can also make accommodations for students in the classroom such as allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including housing as well as finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and allows users to search for their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawsuit (Vimeo.com) palsy lawyer can assist you receive an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence that proves that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed mistakes that resulted in brain damage and cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the damages your family has suffered as well as expected future expenses. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent these kinds of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or as if they don't like their child for what they are. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for someone with CP can reach into the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your claim, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply to your particular area, and tell you what you need to do next.