How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that lasts all of life and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will take a medical history, blythe Cerebral Palsy Attorney do an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable blythe cerebral palsy attorney-palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair compensation for their child's entire life requirements. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder which affects the capacity to move, balance, and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's parts which regulate muscle movement. It usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy by evaluating a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, observing milestones and growth, and 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. Skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose the condition in infants that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in the feet, hands and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty maintaining their balance.

The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which results in poor coordination and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the arms and legs.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their life, unless it is mild or in which case they might make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can be caused by any cause that affects brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common when babies are born before 32 weeks or having babies who are overweight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles) as well as cytomegalovirus and herpes infections can cause inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical treatment and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

To improve functionality or alleviate pain, medications that reduce muscle tightness can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems, such as an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists help children learn to speak or communicate and teach parents how to help their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can connect with groups of people who have the same experiences at a local meeting or on the internet. There are many groups that hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to doctor's visits or taking medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP may seek help from an occupational therapist regarding autonomy, such as housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists who specialize in this condition. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance company.

Legal Issues

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 requires more evidence that proves that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has suffered and the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about bringing about changes and additional guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to others children in the near future.

Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or make them appear as if they don't accept the child they have. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person who suffers from CP can be in the millions.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Every state has its own statute of limitations and the earlier you begin your case the better. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your region, and also what you need to do in the next step.