Why Cerebral Palsy Case Is A Lot Greater Dangerous Than You Think
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral psy is a condition that lasts an entire life time and requires medical care. Children with CP often visit a pediatrician, as well as a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take a medical history, do a thorough physical exam and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining fair settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to arrange an appointment free of charge.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects movement, posture, balance and coordination. It results from the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that regulate the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam, milestones, growth, and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin can also be ordered.
Babies born with CP typically have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at 2 years of age. The earlier a child's condition can be recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups and organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reversible and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen and have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.
Ataxic CP is the least common type that results in disorganized and clumsy movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the legs and arms.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their lives, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they could diagnose by age four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and insufficient weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy is caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can damage the developing nervous system.
The treatment plan for every individual with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation neurologists or doctors should oversee the medical treatment and develop the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.
The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve function and ease discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal issues, such as an abnormally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate and speak and can also teach parents how to help their child's communication skills. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can connect with groups of people with similar experiences at a local gathering or via the internet. There are cerebral palsy attorneys citrus heights that hold fundraisers to raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.
Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can help students who are unable to attend class due to medical appointments or medication. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing additional time between classes or to take tests.
Adults suffering from CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine whether their medications are working and what could be causing their symptoms to get worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows users to search for their insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you get an equitable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to show that the physicians and medical facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.
A legal claim is a means to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family members as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents happening in the future.
Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice could 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.
Find a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case the more favorable. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain the laws in your region, and also what you should do in the next step.