How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral psy is a condition that will last a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A des moines cerebral palsy attorney palsy attorney can assist families to obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It results from injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that control muscle movement, and it typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing and a final diagnosis is typically made around the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families are able to find support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic andover cerebral palsy lawsuit palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They might also have trouble reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or struggle to keep their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, resulting in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic patients CP are prone to muscle weakness, and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of the rag doll.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of their lives, unless it is mild, in which case they could diagnose at age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before pregnancy to decrease the chance of developing CP. It is also crucial for mothers to receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral paralysis can be caused by any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent for babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with babies who are overweight 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 patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and develop treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve functionality and ease discomfort or other signs. In the most severe cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The right support can make significant difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can join a family of people who can share their experiences at an event in the local area or an online groups. There are many groups that hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss class because of medical appointments or medication. They can also offer accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking exams.

Adults with CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist regarding independence, such as the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if their medications are working and if something could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process requires more evidence that proves that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for your child's birth injury committed errors that caused brain damage and cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the losses your family has suffered as well as expected future expenses. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents happening in the future.

Some parents are afraid that bringing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will cause them to appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case, the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can provide you with the laws that apply to your specific area, as well as what you need to do in the next step.