15 Of The Best Documentaries On Cerebral Palsy Case
How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case
Cerebral Palsy is a condition that lasts for throughout life and requires medical attention. Children with CP are typically seen by a pediatrician in addition to a physical specialist. Their doctors will take a medical history, do a thorough physical exam and perform tests like an MRI or CT scan.
A cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families to obtain an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us now to schedule a free case review.
Diagnosis
Cerebral paralysis is a permanent condition that affects movement, posture, coordination and balance. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to brain regions that control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to, during, or shortly after birth.
Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy through analyzing a child's symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and observing the growth and milestones of the child, and review the results of diagnostic tests. They may 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 born with CP often have delays in the development milestones, and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal infants. They may also have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. The condition can be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing, and a definitive diagnosis is usually made at 2 years of age. The sooner a child's illness is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families are able to look for support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy appear during early childhood and result from damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and can affect the coordination of muscles and body movements.
Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience uncontrolled, jerky movements of the feet, hands and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, picking objects up and coloring with crayons. They might snore or have difficulty keeping their balance.
The most commonly used kind of CP is ataxic. It causes slow and unorganized movements. The people with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone, and their legs and arms move easily and resemble those of a toy doll.
Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To decrease the chance of developing CP, women should get vaccines prior to becoming pregnant against illnesses that can cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is also crucial for mothers to receive regular prenatal care during the pregnancy, which could help prevent complications like premature birth and low birth weight.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy may result from any issue that can hinder brain development, including pregnant infections or during labor, complications in the process of birth or head injuries. Baby born before 32 weeks or with a low birth weight are at increased likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. Inflammation caused by rubella (German Measles), herpes, cytomegalovirus and maternal fever during pregnancy can cause damage to the nervous system that is developing.
The treatment plan for each patient with CP differs. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and create the treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.
To improve function or reduce pain, medications that reduce the tightness of muscles can be prescribed. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and tightly contracted or to correct spinal problems like an abnormally curved back, in severe cases of CP.
cerebral palsy lawsuit san diego assist children in learning to communicate or speak and teach parents how to improve their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.
Support
A good support system can make all the difference. Families affected by cerebral palsy and their children can connect with a group of people who have the same experiences at a local gathering or on the internet. Many groups hold fundraisers to raise funds and awareness for the condition.
Teachers can aid children with cerebral palsy in school. They can make plans for students who are unable to attend class due to doctor's appointments or medication. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing additional time between classes or for taking examinations.
Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist on their independence, including the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medicines are working and if they have any other issues that could be making the symptoms worse.
The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of specialists in the local area with this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.
Legal Issues
Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you receive an equitable settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering more evidence to prove that the medical professionals and facilities involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injuries and which led to cerebral palsy.
A legal claim seeks compensation for the harms your family has suffered and expected future expenses. It's also about creating changes and other guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to children of other children in the future.
Parents worry 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 could be in the millions.
It is important to talk with a lawyer for medical malpractice immediately. Each state has a statute of limitations and the sooner you start your case, the better. A lawyer can explain the laws that apply to your particular area, and tell you what you should do next.