5 Cerebral Palsy Case-Related Lessons From The Professionals
How to File a cerebral palsy law firms Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are often examined by a pediatrician, well as a physical medicine specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests such as MRI or CT scans.
A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment to review your case for free.
Diagnosis
Cerebral Palsy is a long-lasting condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It results from the damage or malfunctions in the parts of the brain that regulate muscle movement, and it typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.
Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy on a child's symptoms as well as medical history, physical examination and milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests may also be ordered.
Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones, stiff muscles and hyperactive reactions that aren't found in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which could suggest oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing, and a diagnosis is usually made by age 2. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be. Many families find it beneficial to join support groups as well as organizations for their children.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain part that controls movement and posture. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.
Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands, and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool, have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.
Ataxic CP is the least frequent kind, resulting in unorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag doll-like movement of the arms and legs.
Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first 2 years of life, unless it is mild or in which case they might make a diagnosis at age four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that can cause brain damage in the fetus, including rubella and German measles. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and the birth weight being too low.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy is caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from maternal infections during pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Infants born before 32 weeks or who have low birth weight are at increased chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and maternal fever during pregnancy can damage the developing nervous system.
The treatment plan for each person suffering from CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine 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 or Botox) can be used to improve performance and ease discomfort or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal problems such as an unnaturally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.
Speech therapists can help children learn to communicate and help parents enhance their child's communication. Therapy for recreation involves children in enjoyable activities to boost social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.
Support
The right support can make enormous difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy can join a group of families who can share their experiences through a local meeting or online groups. Many groups host fundraisers to raise funds and raise awareness about the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy during school. They can plan ahead for times when students will be absent due to doctor visits or to take medication. They can also provide accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time to travel between classes or for taking tests.
Adults with CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, which includes housing, getting a job and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine whether their medications are effective or if something else could be causing their symptoms to get worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and permits people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.
Legal Questions
Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you obtain a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering more evidence that the medical professionals and medical facilities responsible for the birth injury suffered by your child committed mistakes that resulted in cerebral palsy and brain damage.
A legal claim seeks compensation for the losses your family has endured and the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making adjustments and taking additional measures to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the near future.
Parents worry that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or that they don't appreciate their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.
Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. Every state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case the more effective. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your region, and also what you need to do following.