Everything You Need To Know About Cerebral Palsy Case Dos And Don'ts

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctor will take the medical history, take an extensive physical examination and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions which control the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests may also be ordered.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They might also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble holding their balance.

The least common type of CP is ataxic. It causes disorganized and clumsy movements. Those with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their legs and arms move easily and are similar to those of an rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is mild, in which case they could make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinations prior to conception against diseases that could cause brain damage to the fetus like rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications such as premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral 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 is more common in babies born prior to 32 weeks, or with the baby's weight being low at birth.  cerebral palsy attorney palmdale  caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

Every patient's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical care and formulate a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) might be used to improve the function and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. In the most severe cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen tight, stiff muscles, or correct problems such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can aid children to learn to communicate and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can find groups of people with similar experiences at a local meeting or on the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy during school. They can arrange for students who may miss classes due to doctor's visits or taking medicine. They can also create arrangements in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, such as housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medication is working, and if anything could cause them to feel worse.

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 all residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires 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.

A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for the future costs that are anticipated. It's also about bringing about changes and additional procedures to stop such injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit will make them appear smug or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with CP can run into the millions.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The sooner you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your state and tell you what you should do next.