How to File a st clair cerebral palsy attorney Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, as along with a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will collect a medical history, do thorough physical examinations and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule a free case review.

Diagnosis

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

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, observing growth and milestones, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like neurologists, pediatric orthopedists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which can suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at 2 years of age. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to look for support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least common kind of CP is ataxic, which results in slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless the condition is mild or in which case they could make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is also crucial for mothers to receive regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy, which can aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that interferes with brain development, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent in babies born before 32 weeks, or with low weight at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can cause inflammation that can damage the developing nervous system.

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

To improve the function or ease pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness are available. In extreme cases of CP, surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists can help children develop their communication skills and help parents improve their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The right support can make all the difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children may find a group of people who have the same experiences at a local meeting or on the internet. There are many groups that hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead of time when students will miss class due to medical visits or to take medication. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing additional time to travel between classes or to take examinations.

Adults with CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, which includes housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine if their medications are working, and if anything could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The havre de grace cerebral palsy attorney Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you obtain a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to show that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the losses your family has suffered and the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent these injuries from happening to other children in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or like they don't accept their child for what they are. However, the reality is that the cost of caring for a person with CP could be in the thousands.

It is important to talk with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you begin your case, the better. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your region and explain what you must do next.