How To Identify The Cerebral Palsy Case That Is Right For You

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician as along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will take an examination of their medical history, perform an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy attorney can help families seek fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost consultation.

Diagnosis

cerebral palsy lawsuits Palsy is a condition that affects the ability to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by damage or lawsuit abnormalities to the brain's parts which control muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptom and medical history, physical exam and milestones, growth and the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin can also be ordered.

Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions that aren't observed in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It is difficult to identify the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups as well as organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually manifest in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain area that controls posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have unpredictable, jerky movements of their feet, hands, and arms. They may also have a hard time reaching out, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They may be drooling or have trouble maintaining their balance.

The least commonly-used kind of CP is ataxic, which causes disorganized and clumsy movements. Those with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their legs and arms move easily and resemble those of an rag doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless the condition is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. Women are advised to be vaccinated against illnesses such as rubella and German Measles prior the time they become pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all mothers during pregnancy to avoid complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from maternal infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks of age or with low birth weight are more at risk chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Maternal fever during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist must oversee medical care and create treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

To improve functionality or alleviate discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness are available. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

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

Support

The appropriate support can make a huge difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can find an entire community of families who can share their experiences via a local gathering or online groups. Many groups have fundraisers to raise funds and raise awareness for the condition.

Educational professionals can assist children suffering from cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will miss class because of medical appointments or to take medication. They can also create accommodations in the classroom like allowing students to travel between classes and complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults with CP might seek out advice from an occupational therapist for autonomy, such as housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor about whether their medications are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms worse.

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

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals who are accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the losses your family has endured and the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about making changes and further guidelines to prevent similar injuries from occurring to others children in the near future.

Some parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or as if they don't like their child for who they are. But the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can reach into the thousands.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you can. Each state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the sooner you begin your case the better. A lawyer can explain the laws applicable to your specific area, as well as what you should do following.