What Do You Need To Know To Be Are Ready For Cerebral Palsy Case
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical treatment. Children suffering from CP frequently visit a pediatrician and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctor will take the medical history, take an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Psy is a condition which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to parts of the brain that control muscle movement. It usually manifests before, during, or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin can also be requested.
Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made at the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups, organizations, and counseling services for their children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest in the early years of childhood and result from damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. This damage is not reversible and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have difficulty holding their balance.
The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. cerebral palsy attorneys jackson with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of an rug doll.
Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is mild or in which case they could diagnose at the age of four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that can cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is also crucial that mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can help prevent complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can result from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as infections in the mother during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at a higher chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal fever during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.
The treatment plan for each individual with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.
Medicines to reduce muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) may be used to improve the function and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. In severe cases of CP surgery, it can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and also instruct parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that stimulate social interaction, self-esteem, and motor skill development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy are able to find a community of families who can share their experiences via an event in the local area or an online groups. Many groups also host fundraisers to raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan for students who may miss classes due to medical appointments or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like giving students extra time between classes or to take examinations.
Adults who suffer from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also speak to their doctor about whether their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts who specialize in this condition. The database is available to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy attorney will help you obtain an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.
Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to stop such injuries from happening in the future.
Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit will make them appear smug or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.
Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your area, and what you need to do in the next step.