How Cerebral Palsy Case Altered My Life For The Better
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that will last a lifetime and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take the medical history, take thorough physical examinations and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the capacity to move, balance and coordinate. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical examination as well as 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 may also be ordered.
Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made around age two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups and organizations for their children.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic, which results in slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors usually diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's existence, unless there is a mild. In that scenario, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. cerebral palsy lawyer albany should be vaccinated for diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also essential for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy, which could help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy may result by anything that hinders brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent in babies born before 32 weeks, or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.
Every person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and formulate the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.
To improve the function or ease pain, medications to reduce muscle tightness are available. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can aid children develop their communication skills and teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. The therapeutic approach to recreation allows children to participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Parents of children with cerebral palsy as well as their children can connect with groups of people who have similar experiences at a local gathering or on the internet. Many groups also host fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the disorder.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will miss classes due to medical visits or medication. They can also make arrangements in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes and complete exams or for doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working and if something could be causing their symptoms to get worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain a fair settlement with the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that proves that the medical professionals and facilities responsible for your child's birth injury committed mistakes that resulted in brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim seeks compensation for the damages your family has suffered and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening in the future.
Some parents worry that suing for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or look like they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can run into the millions.
Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you start your case the more effective. A lawyer can explain the laws in your region, and also what you need to do in the next step.