A Step-By-Step Guide To Cerebral Palsy Case From Beginning To End

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a long-lasting condition that requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP often visit a pediatrician along with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Their doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining fair settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate muscles, and it typically manifests before, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms along with medical history and physical examination, observing growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. Tests of blood, urine and skin might also be requested.

Babies with CP might show delayed development milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions not found in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is usually made by age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, associations and counseling services 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 part of brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and can affect muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also have difficulties reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty keeping their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least popular type, which results 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 usually diagnose CP in the beginning of the child's life, unless it is mild. In that case, they may determine a diagnosis as young as four or five. To lower the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against diseases that may cause brain damage in the fetus, including rubella and German measles. It is also important for mothers to have regular prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy to help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result from any issue that can hinder brain development, including pregnant infections, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or cerebral Palsy lawyer with low birth weight are more at risk chance of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the maternal fever during pregnancy could cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.

The treatment plan for each patient with CP is different for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical care and formulate a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce pain, medications to lessen muscle tightness are available. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues such as an unnaturally curving back, in the most severe cases of CP.

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

Support

Getting the right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can connect with a group of people who have the same experiences at a local meeting or via the internet. Many groups also hold fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will be absent because of medical appointments or medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom for things like providing extra time to travel between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults suffering from CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist on independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if there's anything that could be making the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts with this condition. The database is accessible to residents of Michigan and allows them to search by insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyers palsy lawyer can assist you get a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury suffered by your child committed negligence, causing brain damage and cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a way to seek financial compensation for the loss suffered by your family as well as future expenses that are anticipated. It's also about making changes and further procedures to stop such injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Some parents are afraid that suing for medical malpractice will make them appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person with CP can run into the millions.

It's important to consult with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as you can. The sooner you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws in your area and what you should do next.