How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that will last throughout life and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician in addition to a physical specialist. Their doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical exam, and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer will assist families in obtaining an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Psy is a condition that impairs the ability to move, balance and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions which regulate the movement of muscles. It usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood, urine and skin tests can also be ordered.

Babies with CP may show delayed developmental milestones as well as stiff muscles and exaggerated reactions that aren't typical of normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which can indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in infants who are still developing. A final diagnosis is typically made by the age of two. The the earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to find support groups and organizations for their children.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear in the beginning of childhood and result from damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is permanent and affects the coordination of muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might be drooling or have trouble keeping their balance.

Ataxic CP is the least well-known type, which results in unorganized and clumsy movements. The people with hypotonic CP are prone to muscle weakness, and their arms and legs move effortlessly and look like those of the Rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose CP within the beginning of the child's life, except for mild. In that scenario, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. Prenatal care is crucial for all pregnant mothers to prevent complications such as premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result by any cause that affects brain development, including maternal infections during pregnancy, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with low birth weight are more at risk risk of cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and the mother's fever during pregnancy can harm the nervous system in development.

Every patient's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should oversee the medical treatment and create a treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and needs.

Medicines to reduce the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) could be used to improve functionality and reduce pain or other signs. In the most severe cases of CP surgery may be required to extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems like an unnaturally curving spine.

Speech therapists can assist children to learn to communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's communication abilities. Therapy for recreation lets children participate in fun activities that promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Parents and children suffering from cerebral palsy will find an entire community of families who can relate to their experiences by attending meetings in their local area or through an online groups. There are many groups that hold events that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Educators can help kids with cerebral palsy in school. They can arrange for students who cannot attend class due to medical appointments or medication. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time to travel between classes or to take examinations.

Adults with CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist on independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also consult their doctor about whether or not their medicines are working and if they have any other issues that could be causing the symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local physicians who specialize in this condition. It is available to people who live in Michigan and permits people to search by their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will help you get a fair settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the losses your family has suffered as well as the anticipated costs for the future. It's about making changes and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from occurring in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice could cause them to appear greedy or appear to accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

It is important to talk with a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you can. Each state has a statute of limitations, and the sooner you start your case the more effective. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your area and what you should do next.