How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP usually visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will take the medical history, take thorough physical examinations and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families to obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain which control muscle movement, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose ashland city cerebral palsy attorney palsy based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical examination, milestones, growth, and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made at age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups and other organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the brain part that controls the movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic port royal cerebral palsy Attorney palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may snore or have difficulty keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type, resulting in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of 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 their life, unless it is not severe, in which case they may make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against illnesses that can cause brain damage to the fetus including rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to have regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy to aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent in babies born prior to 32 weeks, or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and maternal fever during pregnancy can harm the nervous system in development.

The treatment plan for every individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve function and reduce pain or other signs. In extreme cases of CP surgery, it can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues like an atypically curving spine.

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

Support

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

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss class due to medical visits or medication. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom for things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or to take examinations.

Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out if their medications are working or if something else could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and permits people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the damages your family has suffered and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from occurring in the future.

Parents are concerned that suing for medical malpractice will make them look greedy, or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can reach into the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. Each state has a statute of limitations, and the sooner you start your case, the better. A lawyer can help you understand the laws in your specific area, as well as what you should do in the next step.