7 Things You Didn't Know About Cerebral Palsy Case
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical care. Children with CP typically visit a pediatrician and a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctor will take an examination of their medical history, perform thorough physical examinations and conduct tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Psy is a condition that affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to brain regions which control the movement of muscles. It usually develops prior to or during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler or child to specialists, like pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.
Babies born with CP often have delays in the development of milestones and 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. A definitive diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier a child's condition can be diagnosed, the better treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups as well as organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy typically manifest in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of their feet, hands and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool or have difficulty keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.
The most common type of CP is ataxic, which results in disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is known as a condition that causes low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.
Doctors usually detect CP in the beginning of the child's life, except for mild. In this case, they may be able to diagnose it at four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to decrease the chance of developing CP. Prenatal care is important for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.
Treatment
Cerebral Palsy can be caused from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common in 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 cause inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.
Every patient's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and formulate treatment plans that address specific symptoms and needs.
Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA and Botox) could be used to improve function and reduce pain or other signs. In severe cases of CP surgery may be required to lengthen tight, stiff muscles or correct a problem such as an unusually curved spine.
Speech therapists aid children in learning to communicate and speak, and they can teach parents how to help their child's communication skills. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skills development.
Support
The appropriate support can make a big difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children may find groups of people who have the same experiences at a local meet or on the internet. Many groups also have fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan for students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's appointments or taking medication. They can also arrange for accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time to travel between classes or to take tests.
Adults who suffer from CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist about their independence, including housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine whether their medication is working and if something could cause their symptoms to worsen.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists who specialize in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and permits people to search by their insurance company.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive a fair settlement from medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injury and that led to cerebral palsy.
Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the harms your family has suffered as well as expected future expenses. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent such injuries from happening to other children in the future.
Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit makes them look greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.
Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. The earlier you file your case the more favorable. cerebral palsy lawyer berkeley has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer can help you understand the laws applicable to your specific area, as well as what you need to do next.