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How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that lasts an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are often examined by a pediatrician, as in addition to a physical 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 cerebral palsy attorney can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a no-cost case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain which control muscle movement. It usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination as well as milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like neurologists, orthopedists for children and physiatrists. Tests of urine, blood and skin could also be ordered.

Babies with CP may exhibit delayed developmental milestones, stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that are not observed in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition is difficult to recognize in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is typically made around 2 years of age. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment will be. Many families are able to look for support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.





Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are evident in the beginning of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet, and arms. cerebral palsy attorney west valley city may also have trouble reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have difficulty maintaining their balance.

The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which can cause slow and unorganized movements. People with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move easily and are similar to those of the rug doll.

Doctors usually diagnose CP in the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In this case, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get immunized prior to pregnancy against illnesses that can cause brain damage in a fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy to aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or with low birth weights are at greater risk of cerebral palsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can cause inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Treatments to ease the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) might be used to improve function and reduce discomfort or other signs. In the case of severe cases of CP, surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to enhance their child's communication. Recreational therapy helps children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem, and motor development.

Support

The right support can make a big difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy will find a community of families who can relate to their experiences via an event in the local area or an online group. Many groups organize fundraising events to raise money and awareness for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan ahead of time when students will be absent because of medical appointments or to take medication. They can also arrange for arrangements in the classroom, like allowing students to travel between classes and take exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist about autonomy, such as housing and finding a job and claiming benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out whether their medications are working and what could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy attorney can help you negotiate an appropriate settlement with medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence that caused brain injuries and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to seek monetary compensation for the loss suffered by your family as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents occurring in the future.

Some parents fear that suing for medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for someone with CP could be in the millions.

It is essential to speak an attorney for medical malpractice whenever you can. The earlier you file your claim, the better. Each state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws applicable to your area and what you must do next.