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How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that can last for an entire life time and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP typically visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today for a time to set up a an appointment for a free case evaluation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate muscles, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical examination, milestones, growth, and the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin could also be requested.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores may also be a sign of oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy usually appear in early childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain region that controls the body's posture and movements. The damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They may drool or have trouble staying in balance.

The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause unorganized and awkward movements. The people with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of an toy doll.

Doctors usually 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 when the child is four or five years old. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.

Treatment





Cerebral palsy can result by any cause that affects the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent for babies born before 32 weeks or having the baby's weight being low at birth. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

Every patient's CP treatment plan is different. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist must oversee medical care and create treatment plans that take care of specific symptoms and needs.

The use of medications to lessen muscle tightness (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve performance and reduce discomfort or other signs. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues like an abnormally curve in the back, which is common in cases of CP.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy helps children participate in activities that encourage 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 find a group of individuals who share similar experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. There are many groups that hold fundraising events that help raise awareness and funds for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead when students will miss class because of doctor visits or to take medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom for things like giving students extra time to travel between classes or to take examinations.

Adults suffering from CP may seek advice from an occupational therapist on autonomy, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to determine if their medicines are effective and if there's something which could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and allows them to search for doctors by insurance provider.

cerebral palsy law firm warren can help you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to show that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injury and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek financial compensation for losses incurred by your family as well as future expenses that are expected. It's also about making changes and further guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Some parents are afraid that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Every state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the sooner you start your case, the more favorable. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you need to do next.