Cerebral Palsy Case Tips That Will Change Your Life

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts a lifetime and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy can assist families in obtaining fair settlement for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to arrange a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, observing growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests may also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups and other organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the brain area that controls the body's posture and movements. This damage cannot be reversed and can affect the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool and have trouble keeping their balance and firms walk on tiptoe.

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which can cause disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually diagnose CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In that scenario, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist must oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

To improve the function or ease pain, medications to lessen the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. In severe cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a enormous difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children can join groups of people with similar experiences at local meetings or via the internet. Many groups have fundraising events to raise money and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students are unable to attend classes due to doctor visits or to take medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes and take tests or firms doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing or finding work and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor to find out if their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making symptoms worse.

The cerebral palsy law firms Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and resulting in cerebral palsy law firm palsy.

A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family and future expenses that are anticipated. It's also about bringing about changes and additional policies to prevent these injuries from happening to other children in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit can make them appear greedy or as if they don't like their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can run into the millions.

It's important to consult with a lawyer for medical malpractice whenever you can. The sooner you file your case, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws in your particular area, and tell you what you need to do next.