How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that will last an entire life time and requires medical attention. Children suffering from CP are often examined by a pediatrician, as along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will take a medical history, do an extensive physical examination and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A meadows place cerebral palsy attorney palsy attorney can help families seek an equitable amount of compensation for the lifelong needs of their child. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that affects posture, movement, coordination and balance. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscles, and it typically occurs prior to or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose of cerebral palsy through analyzing the child's symptoms such as medical history, physical examination, as well as monitoring growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They may refer an infant, toddler, or child to specialists such as pediatric orthopedists neurologists, and physiatrists. Skin, urine, and blood tests can also be ordered.

Babies born with CP often show delays in developmental milestones and have stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal infants. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to determine the condition in babies that are still developing. A definitive diagnosis is usually made at age two. The earlier the child is diagnosed, the more effective 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 are evident in the early years of childhood and are caused by damage to the brain region that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reversible, and it affects the body's movements and muscle coordination.

Children who suffer from dyskinetic cerebral palsy exhibit jerky, uncontrolled movements of the hands, feet and arms. They may also experience difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They may snore and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on tiptoe.

Ataxic CP is the least frequent type, resulting in unorganized and awkward movement. The people with hypotonic CP have a low level of muscle tone and their legs and arms move effortlessly and look like those of the rug doll.

Doctors often diagnose a child with CP within the first two years of their lives, unless it is not severe and in that case, they may make a diagnosis at the age of four or five. Women should be vaccinated against diseases such as rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to lower the risk of developing CP. It is essential to take care of all mothers during pregnancy to prevent complications like premature birth and low weight at birth.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy can be caused by any issue that can hinder the development of the brain, from maternal infections due to pregnancy, to complications arising during labor and delivery to head injuries. Babies born prior to 32 weeks of age or with low birth weights are at greater chances of developing cerebral paralysis. Inflammation caused by rubella (German measles) Herpes, cytomegalovirus, herpes and pregnant fever can damage the developing nervous system.

The treatment plan for every individual with CP differs. A pediatric specialist or physical and rehabilitation physician or neurologist should supervise medical care and develop treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

To improve function or reduce discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness are available. In the most severe cases of CP, surgery can extend stiff, tightly contracted muscles or correct problems like an atypically curving spine.

Speech therapists can help children develop their communication skills and also teach parents how to improve their child's abilities to communicate. Therapy for recreation involves children in activities that are fun to encourage social interaction, self-esteem and motor skills development.

Support

The proper support can make a huge difference. Parents and children with cerebral palsy are able to find a family of people who can relate to their experiences at meetings in their local area or through an online groups. Many groups host events to raise funds and awareness for the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead of time when students are unable to attend classes due to medical visits or medication. They can also create accommodations in the classroom such as extra time for students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults suffering from CP might seek advice from an occupational therapist about independence cerebral palsy attorney, such as housing, finding a job, and receiving benefits. They can also speak to their doctor to find out whether their medication is working or if something else could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains an inventory of local specialists who specialize in this condition. The database is accessible to all residents of Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can assist you in negotiating an acceptable settlement from the medical professionals accountable for your child's injuries. The legal process involves gathering additional evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed negligence, causing brain injury and which led to cerebral palsy.

A legal claim is a method to seek monetary compensation for losses suffered by your family as well as the future costs that are anticipated. It's about making adjustments and implementing additional policies to prevent the possibility of such accidents occurring in the future.

Some parents are concerned that filing a medical malpractice suit makes them look greedy or like they don't accept their child for who they are. But the reality is that the lifetime cost of caring for a person with CP can run into the thousands.

Get a medical malpractice lawyer on your side as soon as you are able to. Every state has its own statute of limitations and the sooner you start your case the better. A lawyer will provide you with the laws of your particular area and the steps you must do next.