How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician also a physical therapy specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and take a thorough medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It results from damaged or abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate muscle movement, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

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

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to seek out support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in the beginning of childhood and result from damage to the brain region that controls movement and posture. This damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, cerebral palsy jerky movements in their feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known kind, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. People with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone, and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of the rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose CP within the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In this scenario, they may diagnose the condition at four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that can cause fetal brain damage, such as rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is essential for all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, ranging from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are at increased chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can damage the developing nervous system.

Every patient's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist will oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

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

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to improve their child's communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that encourage 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 connect with a group of individuals who have similar experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups have fundraisers to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy lawyers palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who will miss class because of doctor's visits or medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes, take tests or doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working and what could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the losses your family has endured and expected future costs. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent these kinds of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or as if they don't like their child for what they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can run into the thousands.

Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you begin your case the more favorable. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your area, and what you need to do in the next step.