How Cerebral Palsy Case Has Changed My Life The Better

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are often seen by a pediatrician also a physical therapy specialist. Their doctors will take the medical history, take an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair compensation for their child's lifelong needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Psy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to the brain's parts which regulate muscle movement. It usually develops prior to or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on the child's symptoms, medical history, physical exam 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. The skin, Cerebral palsy lawyer urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often have delays in the development of milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that are not present in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose in infants who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made by 2 years of age. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to look for support groups and organizations for their children.

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 permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy lawyer paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands, and arms. They might also have difficulty reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty keeping their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least common type, resulting in clumsy and disorganized movement. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.

Doctors typically diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is mild and in that case, they could diagnose by age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. It is also essential for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy, which could aid in preventing complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by anything that affects brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently for babies born before 32 weeks or with babies who are overweight at birth. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and the mother's fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

The treatment plan for each person with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist will oversee medical care and develop treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) may be used to improve performance and ease pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal issues like an unusually curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate or speak and can also teach parents how to facilitate their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in fun activities that promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children can join a group of people who have the same experiences at a local gathering or on the internet. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can make plans for students who cannot attend class due to doctor's visits or medication. They can also make accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking tests.

Adults who suffer from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist about independence, such as housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine whether their medications are working, and if anything could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you receive a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to show that the physicians and medical facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a way to seek monetary compensation for the loss suffered by your family and future expenses that are expected. It's about making changes and taking additional measures to prevent such injuries from happening in the future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice suit could make them appear greedy, or that they don't appreciate their child for who they are. However, the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for someone with CP could be in the thousands.

It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer whenever you can. The earlier you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws that apply in your area, and what you need to do next.