Why Cerebral Palsy Case Might Be Your Next Big Obsession

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts a lifetime and requires medical care. Children with CP are usually seen by a pediatrician in addition to a physical specialist. The doctor will take an medical history, conduct an extensive physical examination and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.

A reputable lawyer for cerebral palsy can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for a no-cost case review.

cerebral palsy attorneys oklahoma city  is a complication which affects the capacity to move, balance, and coordinate. It is caused by damage or abnormalities to parts of the brain which control muscle movement. It typically occurs prior to, during, or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy through analyzing the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, and observing milestones and growth, and reviewing the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists, neurologists and physiatrists. Testing of urine, blood and skin can also be requested.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, as well as exaggerated reactions not typical of normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier a child's condition can be recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families find it beneficial to seek out support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy usually appear in the first years of childhood, and are caused by damage done to the part of brain that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reverseable and can affect body movements and muscle coordination.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have chaotic, jerky movements with their feet, hands and arms. They may also have trouble reaching up, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might drool or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic, which causes disorganized and clumsy movements. People with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their legs and arms are able to move easily and mimic the movements of an rug doll.

Doctors typically diagnose CP within the first two years of a child's life, unless it is mild. In that case, they might be able to diagnose it at four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles prior to pregnancy to lower the risk of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy or during labor, complications in the process of birth, or head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more prevalent in babies born before 32 weeks or with the baby's weight being low at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus, or herpes infections can cause inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

Each person's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that take care of specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness may be used. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted, or to correct spinal issues such as an unnaturally curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists help children learn to speak or communicate and also instruct parents how to facilitate their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The appropriate support can make a big difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy can join a community of families who can relate to their experiences via meetings in their local area or through an online group. Many groups also host events that raise awareness and funds for the disorder.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy at school. They can plan ahead when students will miss class because of doctor visits or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like allowing extra time between classes or to take exams.

Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist for independence, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to find out whether their medications are working and if something could cause them to feel worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is accessible to those living in Michigan and allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves obtaining more evidence to show that the medical professionals and facilities involved in the birth injury of your child committed negligence, causing brain injuries and resulted in cerebral palsy.

A legal claim seeks compensation for the losses your family has experienced and expected future expenses. It's also about making changes and implementing additional policies to prevent such injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.

Some parents fear that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit makes them look greedy or as if they don't like their child for what they are. The cost of caring for a CP patient could be in the millions.

Contact a lawyer for medical malpractice as soon as you are able to. Every state has a statute of limitations and the earlier you start your case the more effective. A lawyer can provide you with the laws in your region, and also what you should do next.