How To Recognize The Cerebral Palsy Case To Be Right For You
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician well as a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a condition which affects the capacity to move, balance and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's areas that regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms such as medical history, physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, as well as looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin might also be ordered.
Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The the earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to look for support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy typically manifest in early childhood, and result from damage to the brain region that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have difficulty staying in balance.
Ataxic CP is the least popular type, resulting in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of life, unless the condition is mild and in that case, they could diagnose by age four or five. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.
cerebral palsy attorney sugar land can result 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 occurs more frequently in babies born before 32 weeks or having an infant who is overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) and herpes, cytomegalovirus and pregnant fever can affect the nervous system of the baby.
The treatment plan for every patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical care and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.
To improve the function or ease discomfort, medications to ease the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an unusually curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
Finding the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can join a group of families who can share their experiences through a local meeting or online groups. Many groups hold events to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.
Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead for times when students will miss classes due to medical visits or to take medication. They can also arrange for accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing additional time between classes or to take examinations.
Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for autonomy, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine whether their medication is working and what could cause their symptoms to worsen.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you get a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed errors that caused cerebral palsy and brain damage.
A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has experienced and the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about creating changes and other policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.
Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit could make them appear greedy, or as if they don't like their child for what they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person with CP can reach into the thousands.
It is crucial to speak with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as possible. The earlier you file your claim, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws in your region, and also what you should do next.