How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical treatment. Children with CP are often seen by a pediatrician, along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination, take a detailed medical history and perform tests such as MRI or CT scans.

A reputable cerebral palsy lawyer can help families seek an equitable amount of settlement for their child's lifetime needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to review your case for free.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Psy is a condition that affects the ability to move, balance, and control. It is caused by abnormalities or damage to the brain's areas that control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to or during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy after analyzing a child's symptoms as well as medical history and physical exam, monitoring 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 might also be requested.

Babies born with CP frequently have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes that aren't present in normal infants. Low Apgar scores may also indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in babies that are still developing. The final diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier a child's condition is diagnosed, the better the treatment will be. Many families find it helpful to join support groups and organizations for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral paralysis manifest in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. The damage is permanent and affects muscle coordination and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis experience jerky, uncontrolled movements of the feet, Law hands, and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching, lifting objects and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen or struggle to keep their balance, and walk on the tip of their toes.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic. It causes disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic patients CP are prone to muscle weakness and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of an Rag doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of life, unless it is mild or in which case they could make a diagnosis by age four or five. To reduce the risk of developing CP, women should get vaccinated before pregnancy against diseases that could cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is essential to take care of all pregnant mothers to avoid complications such as premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by anything that interferes with the development of the brain, from maternal infections during pregnancy, to complications during labor and delivery to head injuries. Cerebral palsy is more common for babies born before 32 weeks of age, or with low weight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections may trigger inflammation that affects the development of the nervous system.

Every patient's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and create treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve functionality or alleviate pain, medications that reduce muscle tightness may be used. In extreme cases of CP, surgery can lengthen stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct a problem such as an abnormally curved spine.

Speech therapists aid children in learning to speak or communicate and teach parents how to improve their child's communication. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in activities that encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor development.

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families who have cerebral palsy and their children may find groups of people with similar experiences at a local meeting or on the internet. Many groups organize fundraisers to raise money and raise awareness about the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead when students will miss class due to doctor visits or medication. They can also offer accommodation in the classroom for things like allowing extra time between classes or for taking tests.

Adults with CP can get advice from an occupational therapist about independence, which includes the need for housing, obtaining jobs and benefits. They can also consult their doctor to determine whether their medications are working, and if anything could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan has an inventory of local doctors who specialize in this condition. It is available to residents in Michigan and allows people to search for doctors based on their insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you get a fair settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal process requires gathering additional evidence that shows that the doctors and medical facilities accountable for the birth injury of your child committed mistakes that resulted in cerebral palsy and brain damage.

A legal claim seeks monetary compensation for the damages your family has suffered as well as the anticipated costs for the future. It's also about making changes and implementing additional procedures to stop such injuries from happening to other children in the future.

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

It is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. Every state has its own time limit for filing a lawsuit and the earlier you begin your case, the better. A lawyer will explain the laws in your area and what you must do next.