Why Cerebral Palsy Case Might Be Your Next Big Obsession
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and take a thorough medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A cerebral palsy attorney can help families obtain fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to parts of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to or shortly after birth.
Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, observing growth and milestones, as well as review the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin may also be ordered.
Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones as well as stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to identify in infants who are still developing, and a diagnosis is generally made by the age of 2. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options will be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups and other organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is not reversible and can affect muscles and body movements.
Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit jerky, uncontrolled movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have trouble reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have trouble maintaining their balance.
The least commonly-used type of CP is ataxic, which results in unorganized and awkward movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of their life, unless it is not severe or asymptomatic, in which case they might make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce the risk of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.
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 law firm oakland occurs more frequently in babies born before 32 weeks or having low weight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles) as well as herpes, cytomegalovirus and the maternal fever during pregnancy could affect the nervous system of the baby.
The treatment plan for each individual with CP differs. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and develop treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.
Treatments to ease muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve function and reduce discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems such as an unnaturally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.
Speech therapists are able to assist children to develop communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's communication abilities. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self esteem and motor skills 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 meeting or on the internet. Many groups have events to raise funds and awareness for the condition.
Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy at school. They can make plans for students who will miss class due to doctor's appointments or medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom, such as extra time for students to travel between classes, take exams or attend doctor visits.
Adults with CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing or finding work and claiming benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if they have any other issues that could be making symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists in this field. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering additional evidence to prove that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.
Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the damages your family has suffered as well as anticipated future expenses. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to stop the possibility of such accidents happening in the future.
Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. The earlier you file your claim, the more favorable. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws in your state and tell you what you should do next.