How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral dysplasia is a lifelong condition that requires medical care. Children suffering from CP usually visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam and will take a complete medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families pursue fair compensation for their child's entire life needs. Contact us now to schedule an appointment free of charge.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Psy is a condition which affects the capacity to move, balance and control. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that regulate muscles, and it typically occurs before or shortly after birth.

Doctors may make a diagnosis of cerebral palsy after analyzing the child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical examination, and observing the growth and milestones of the child, and looking over the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the infant, toddler or child to specialists like a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Skin, urine and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes that aren't seen in normal babies. Low Apgar scores could also indicate oxygen deprivation. The condition may be difficult to diagnose in babies who are still developing, and a final diagnosis is usually made by the age of two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options can be. Many families find it beneficial to find support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage done to the brain area that controls the movement and posture. This damage is not reverseable and affects muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral palsy have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands and arms. They might also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may snore and have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least common type of CP is ataxic, which causes slow and unorganized movements. Hypotonic CP is characterised by a lack of muscle tone and a ragdoll-like motion of the arms and legs.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP during the first two years of their life, unless it is mild, in which case they could make a diagnosis by age four or five. Women should be vaccinated for diseases like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also crucial that mothers receive regular prenatal check-ups during the pregnancy, which can help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy can result from any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, such as maternal infections during pregnancy as well as complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Babies born before 32 weeks or with 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.

Each individual's CP treatment plan is unique to each. A pediatric specialist rehabilitation, physical medicine doctor or neurologist should supervise the medical treatment and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses specific symptoms and requirements.

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

Speech therapists are able to assist children develop their communication skills and help parents enhance their child's communication. The therapeutic approach to recreation involves children participating in fun activities to promote social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

A good support system can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can join a group of people who share similar experiences at a local meet or on the internet. Many groups hold events to raise funds and awareness of the condition.

Teachers can support children who have cerebral palsy in school. They can plan ahead for when students are unable to attend classes because of medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also offer accommodations in the classroom for things like allowing extra time to travel between classes or for taking examinations.

Adults with CP may seek help from an occupational therapist about independence, including housing and finding a job and receiving benefits. They can also talk to their doctor to determine if their medications are working and if something could be causing their symptoms to get worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has a database of local doctors who specialize in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance company.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy law firms palsy lawyer can help you obtain an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical facilities and doctors involved in the birth injury of your child committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim can be a means to obtain financial compensation for losses incurred by your family and the cost of future expenses that you anticipate. It's about making adjustments and adopting additional policies to prevent these types of injuries from happening in the near future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can make them appear greedy or like they don't accept their child for who they are. However, the truth is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can run into the thousands.

It is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you file your claim, the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will explain the laws in your area and what you need to do next.