How To Recognize The Cerebral Palsy Case That Is Right For You
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is an illness that will last all of life and requires medical attention. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will collect the medical history, take thorough physical examinations and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange an appointment for a no-cost consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's areas that control the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to, during, or shortly after birth.
Doctors can make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, as well as monitoring the growth and milestones of the child, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.
Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in infants who are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it helpful to seek out support groups and other organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the first years of childhood, and result from damage to the brain region that regulates the movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and can affect muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.
Ataxic CP is the least well-known type that results in disorganized and clumsy movement. The people with hypotonic CP have a lower muscle tone, and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of a rug doll.
Doctors usually detect CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In that situation, they could make a diagnosis at age four or five. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against illnesses that can cause fetal brain damage, such as rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is important for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can result by anything that hinders brain development, including pregnant infections or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent when babies are born before 32 weeks or with low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the maternal fever during pregnancy could cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.
Each person's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan to address specific symptoms and needs.
To improve function or ease pain, medications that reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. In the case of severe cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems like an atypically curving spine.
Speech therapists are able to assist children to develop communication skills and teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can find a group of individuals who have the same experiences at a local meet or via the internet. Many groups also have fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy at school. cerebral palsy attorneys bend can arrange for students who will miss class due to doctor's appointments or taking medication. They can also create arrangements in the classroom, for example, allowing students to travel between classes, take exams or for doctor visits.
Adults who suffer from CP are able to seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, which includes housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out if their medications are working, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area with this condition. It's available for people living in Michigan, and it allows people to search by their insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement with the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires additional evidence that shows that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a means to get financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members and for the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the near future.
Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or like they don't accept their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with CP can be in the millions.
Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the sooner you begin your case, the more effective. A lawyer will explain the laws in your particular area and the steps you must do next.