How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP are often examined by a pediatrician, also a physical therapy specialist. Their doctors will collect an examination of their medical history, perform a thorough physical exam and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to set up an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects posture, movement, balance and vimeo coordination. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior vimeo to or shortly after birth.

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

Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in infants who are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The sooner a child's illness is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to join support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain area that controls posture and movement. This damage cannot be reversed, and it affects body movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have difficulty staying in balance.

Ataxic CP is the least popular kind, resulting in unorganized and clumsy movements. Those with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone, and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of a Rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is not severe or in which case they may make a diagnosis by age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that could cause fetal brain damage, like rubella and German measles. It is essential to take care of all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result by any cause that affects brain development, including infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. spanish fort cerebral palsy law firm palsy is more prevalent in babies born before 32 weeks or having low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

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

The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) can be used to improve the function and ease pain or other signs. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct issues like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists can aid children learn to communicate and help parents improve their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can find groups of people who share similar experiences at a local gathering or on the internet. Many groups also hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students are unable to attend classes because of medical appointments or to take medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom for things like giving students extra time between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor about whether their medications are effective and if there's something that could be causing the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this condition. The database is accessible to people in Michigan and lets them search by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney can help you negotiate an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for your child's birth injury have committed errors that caused brain damage and cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the losses your family has experienced and expected future costs. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents worry that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could make them look greedy, or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can be in the millions.

It is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your specific area, as well as what you need to do next.